Heavy traffic along the freeway and highway can test even the calmest of drivers’ patience and temper. Aggressive driving and road rage is a major contributor to serious accidents. Keeping calm and avoiding potential infuriating situations can help you stay clear of the results of road rage.
Road rage “involves a criminal act of violence”. This is what sets it apart from aggressive driving. Aggressive driving can involve speeding, tailgating and even running red lights. Aggressive driving is one of the biggest contributors of all accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities. Experts say that 56% of fatal crashes were caused by “aggressive behavior”.
A lot of insurance companies can exclude liability coverage for at fault accidents caused by road rage. If you are overcome with road rage, and get in an accident, your car insurance company may not pay for the damages.
Road Rage is on the rise. Since 1990 the reported incidents of road rage have increased by over 50%. Teenagers under the age of 19 are typically the most common offenders.
How can you keep yourself from raging? There are many things you can do to stay calm. Here are a few of our suggestions:
#1 Plan Ahead – Leave your home early to allow your self extra time to reach your reach your destination. People often stress more when they are running late and it’s out of their hands.
#2 Don’t – Don’t give in to the other “annoying” drivers. Don’t glare, gesture offensively, flash your headlights, tailgate, or honk your horn. Don’t park blocking people in or blocking driveways.
#3 Do – Do gesture “I’m sorry” to someone you may have accidentally cut off, avoid eye contact with other drivers, drive the speed limit.
Just remember that it’s not worth it to get all worked up. Most “annoying” drivers don’t know that they’re being annoying, and yelling, gesturing and getting upset can only make the matter worse. The other driver will probably not even notice you trying to “teach” them the right way to drive, and your actions do not end up doing any good.
Stay calm and plan your route before hand. Be prepared and do not engage in other negative behavior. Remember the statistics about accidents and road rage and how they can effect your car insurance coverage. Stay safe out there!
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