Navigating New Jersey roadways can cause anger and frustration for many motorists, especially during rush hour. This anger can lead to road rage, which is a major cause of serious auto accidents throughout the U.S. each year.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aggressive driving contributes to at least 56% of all deadly collisions. Road rage presents a danger, not only to the angry driver but to everyone else on the road as well.
What are the signs?
Knowing how to spot the signs of an angry driver can help to minimize your risk of becoming involved in an accident. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the following are often indicators of a driver suffering from road rage:
- Failing to use a turn signal, adhere to traffic signs or follow stop lights
- Honking excessively
- Yelling obscenities or displaying rude hand gestures
- Speeding or racing other vehicles
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Cutting off vehicles or blocking vehicles from changing lanes
In some extreme incidents, enraged motorists may crash into other vehicles. Some may leave their vehicles and approach another driver with the intent to cause an injury.
What should you do?
While your natural instinct may be to fight back against a driver who cut you off or sped past you, it is best to refrain from doing so. Officers recommend you avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver. Instead, contact law enforcement and allow them to handle the situation.
If you feel like you are getting angry while behind the wheel, it is best to put on some calm music and try taking a few deep breaths.
Knowing how to handle the situation and alerting officers to the issue can help to save lives.