Page 21 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – September/October 2017

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Aggressive Driving Affects More of Us Than
You Might Think!
An Estimated Eight Million Drivers Admit to More Extreme Behavior Says AAA Foundation Research
Nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel
at least once in the past year, according to a
study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The most alarming findings suggest that approximately eight million U.S. drivers engaged
in extreme examples of road rage, including purposefully ramming another vehicle or getting out of the car to confront another driver.
“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.”
A significant number of U.S. drivers reported engaging in angry and aggressive behaviors over the past year, according to the study’s estimates: 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 10 believe aggressive drivers are a serious threat to their personal safety.
Aggressive driving and road rage varied considerably among drivers:
Male and younger drivers ages 19-39 were significantly more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors. For example, male drivers were more than three times as likely as female drivers to have gotten out of a vehicle to confront another driver or rammed another vehicle on purpose.
Drivers living in the Northeast were significantly more likely to yell, honk or
gesture angrily than people living in other parts of the country. For example, drivers in the Northeast were nearly 30 percent more likely to have made an angry gesture than drivers in other parts of the country.
Drivers who reported other unsafe behaviors behind the wheel, such as speeding and running red lights, also were more likely to show aggression. For example, drivers who reported speeding on a freeway in the past month were four times more likely to have cut off another vehicle on purpose.
“It’s completely normal for drivers to experience anger behind the wheel, but we must not let our emotions lead to destructive choices,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research. “Don’t risk escalating a frustrating situation because you never know what the other driver might do. Maintain a cool head, and focus on reaching your destination safely.”
AAA offers these tips to help prevent road rage:
Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to
change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes, or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
Be Tolerant and Forgiving:
The other driver may just be having a really bad
day. Assume that it’s not personal.
Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make
gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and contact 9-1-1 if needed.
For Every Stop on the Way
Study break for pizza
1
Pick up textbooks at the campus bookstore
2
START:
Choose your card design
3
Save up for a semester abroad
Cramming for an exam or expanding your horizons: Choose a AAA reloadable card
Pick up a AAA Visa TravelMoney® Card at any AAA Central Penn office
AAA Visa TravelMoney is accepted at merchants and ATMs where Visa debit cards are accepted, you will feel comfortable knowing the card is not linked to any of your accounts and can be replaced in as little as 24 hours. Cards issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Terms and conditions apply.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
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