Aggressive driving should NOT be taken lightly. Losing your temper could get someone hurt. Road rage is a big factor in 66% of traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Do you care about the safety of yourself, your passengers, and your fellow drivers? If so, watch out for these common signs you’re an aggressive driver.
1. You treat speed limits as if they are suggestions.
Speed limits weren’t invented out of thin air. Experts determined it is the maximum speed that’s safe on a particular street.
I get it: sometimes it’s better to go with the flow of traffic (which is often 5-10 MPH over the speed limit), especially when you’re on a busy part of the Interstate.
Still, stick with the speed limit whenever possible. The faster you’re traveling, the more likely a wreck will result in death or injury. Speeding contributed to 9,557 fatalities in 2015, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2. You instinctively slam the gas at yellow lights.
I hate to burst your bubble, but your name isn’t “Dale Jr.” or “Danica Patrick.”
So please stop pretending you’re a race-car driver every time you run a red light!
This behavior is extremely selfish and short-sighted. You’re putting people’s lives at risk just so you can save a minute or two.
Running red lights is especially problematic in urban areas where there are plenty of cyclists and pedestrians. They don’t have an interior to protect them like you.
709 people died in crashes caused by running a traffic light in 2014. 126,000 more people were injured. Over half of those people were merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your actions affect others. Be conscious of that!
3. You antagonize or confront other drivers.
A driver cuts you off. Do you…
A: Let it go.
B: Tell them off.
If you answered “B,” that means you’re an aggressive driver (and need to chill out).
Never start a confrontation on the road. It can only end badly. You’ll only stress yourself out and risk provoking the other driver, whose fuse might be even shorter than yours.
Have you ever had a gun pointed at you? I hope not. It’s terrifying! According to CBS News, the number of gun-related road rage incidents have doubled in the last two years. Remember that the next time you’re tempted to insult another driver. Believe me… it’s not worth the risk!
4. Your passengers feel tense or nervous.
Simple enough, right? Pay attention to your passengers’ reactions. If they act like they’re scared for their lives or trapped on a thrill ride, that’s probably a bad sign.
Accept the feedback (even if your ego takes a hit) and adjust your driving habits, because your passengers have a right to feel safe and comfortable in your vehicle.
5. You think people are out to “get” you.
It’s not all about you. If someone cuts you off on the Interstate and speed away, that doesn’t mean they did so to spite you. Maybe they’re in a hurry, because their kid is in the hospital. Take a deep breath. Let it go. There’s no reason to stress over something you can’t control.
Know someone who’s guilty of aggressive driving? If so, feel free to share this article on Facebook. Hopefully they’ll take the hint! 😉