Editorial

Road rage possible, even in sparsely populated regions

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Southwest Nebraskans joke about traffic jams, but dangerous conflicts arising from road disputes are not unheard of, even in our sparsely populated corner of the state.

Wait at the corner of West Fifth and J on a busy school morning, and you'll agree that road rage is possible anytime motor vehicles and time schedules are in use.

According to a new study the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 80 percent of us who are drivers experienced significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the past year.

That's something to keep in mind if you venture into a major city during this summer's vacation. It's also no small consideration given the possibility deadly weapons other that cars and trucks could be involved.

"Inconsiderate driving, bad traffic and the daily stresses of life can transform minor frustrations into dangerous road rage," said Jurek Grabowski, director of research for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Far too many drivers are losing themselves in the heat of the moment and lashing out in ways that could turn deadly," Grabowski said.

Need more proof? Perhaps some of these will seem familiar:

* Purposefully tailgating: 51 percent (104 million drivers)

* Yelling at another driver: 47 percent (95 million drivers)

* Honking to show annoyance or anger: 45 percent (91 million drivers)

* Making angry gestures: 33 percent (67 million drivers)

* Trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes: 24 percent (49 million drivers)

* Cutting off another vehicle on purpose: 12 percent (24 million drivers)

* Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver: 4 percent (7.6 million drivers)

* Bumping or ramming another vehicle on purpose: 3 percent (5.7 million drivers)

Nearly 2 in 3 drivers believe that aggressive driving is a bigger problem today than three years ago, while nine out of ten believe aggressive drivers are a serious threat to their personal safety.

The most aggressive drivers, naturally enough, were male and younger drivers ate 19-39, males three times more likely as female drivers to have gotten out of a vehicle to confront another driver or rammed another vehicle on purpose.

Drivers in the Northeast -- think New York City or Boston -- were 30 percent more likely to have made an angry gesture than drivers in other parts of the country.

Aggressive drivers are more likely to admit speeding, running red lights and cutting off another vehicle on purpose, according to the study.

To increase your chances of arriving at your destination safe, sound and calm, the AAA offers tips to avoid road rage:

* Don't offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction by using their brakes or steering wheel to respond to something you have done.

* Be tolerant and forgiving. Don't let emotions interfere by assuming the other driver intentionally did something to offend.

* Do not response: Avoid eye contact, don't make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and contact 9-1-1 if needed.

The survey used data collected from a national survey of 2,705 licensed drivers 16 and older who reported driving in the past 30 days.

Yes it's frustrating to wait for a car to pass only to discover they didn't bother to use their turn signal, or get behind a driver blocking traffic by driving 15 in a 35 mph zone.

But try to keep things in perspective and enjoy your evening once you arrive safely home.

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