Aggressive Driving
Studies have found aggressive behavior increases under states of stress and that certain driving situations such as traffic congestion can evoke stress. Moreover, an aggressive driving act by one driver can trigger a disproportionate response, sometimes even escalating to the level of “road rage.” Be aware that road rage is a criminal act of assault which may stem from a confrontation that occurred on the road.
According to results from the 2008 AAA Foundation’s Traffic Safety Culture Index (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2008), 78% of respondents rated aggressive drivers as a serious or extremely serious traffic safety problem. However, many of the same people reported driving in ways that could be classified as aggressive.
The following are indications of aggressive driving:
• Following improperly
• Improper or erratic lane changing
• Illegal driving on road shoulder, in ditch, or on sidewalk or median
• Passing where prohibited by posted signs, pavement markings, hill or curve, or school
bus displaying warning not to pass, passing on wrong side, passing with insufficient
distance or inadequate visibility or failing to yield to overtaking vehicle
• Operating the vehicle in an erratic, reckless, careless, or negligent manner or suddenly
changing speeds
• Failure to yield right of way
• Failure to obey traffic signs, traffic control devices, or traffic officers, failure to observe
safety zone traffic laws
• Failure to observe warnings or instructions on vehicle displaying them
• Failure to signal
• Driving too fast for conditions or in excess of posted speed limit
• Racing
• Making an improper turn
Based on analysis of fatal crash data from 2003 through 2007, The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that potentially aggressive actions, including speeding, failure to yield the right of way, reckless driving, and the others discussed previously, were reported in 56 percent of fatal crashes. The fact that 56 percent of fatal crashes involved such actions—even if not all of them were committed intentionally and with aggressive motivations—speaks volumes about the great need for traffic safety cultural change.
It is very important for drivers to honestly assess their own driving practices. To be truly safe and responsible drivers, people must discard notions that they can safely perform unsafe behaviors because of their above average skills, and they must stop simply “blaming the other guy.” Helping motorists understand the scope and magnitude of aggressive driving and other inappropriate behaviors, and instilling an appreciation for the magnitude of the threat posed by
these acts, is a vital first step in achieving the positive traffic safety culture we envision.
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