It is not uncommon to come across an aggressive driver while navigating Chicago roadways. In fact, at least 80% of American motorists confess that they have, at some point within the last year, felt significant anger while driving, according to AAA.
Dangerous driving habits that often accompany aggressive driving can lead to deadly car accidents. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 56% of fatal motor vehicle accidents over a five-year period involved some form of aggressive driving.
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What are the signs of road rage?
If you are on the lookout for aggressive driving behaviors, you can minimize the risk of an angry motorist harming you or another innocent person on the road. These behaviors include the following:
- Following too closely or tailgating
- Erratic lane changing
- Blocking other drivers from changing lanes or cutting off other motorists
- Speeding or racing other cars
- Failing to yield to pedestrian crosswalks, traffic signals, signs or other drivers’ right of way
- Yelling at other drivers or using obscene hand gestures
In some cases, angry drivers purposely bumped or hit other vehicles, or got out of their vehicle to confront another driver.
What can you do?
If you should come across an aggressive driver, it is best to remain calm. It may be easy for some to get heated and attempt to fire back at a driver who is acting aggressively. However, law enforcement officers encourage drivers to avoid making eye contact or interacting with these drivers.
Instead, alert law enforcement to the issue and let them take care of the situation. You may just save a life by doing so.
