 |
Aggressive Driving |  |
Introduction | Programs & Solutions | FAQs | Safety Tips |
WHAT IS AGGRESSIVE DRIVING?
Aggressive driving can refer to any display of aggression by a driver. It is often used to describe more extreme acts of physical assault that result from disagreements between drivers. "Road Rage" is a term believed to be coined by the American media, originally to describe the most violent events.
The New York State Police define an Aggressive Driver as one who:
Operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways.
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING SEEMS TO BE INCREASING
Part of the problem may be the roads themselves. The roads are more crowded. The number of vehicle miles driven each year is up 35% in the past ten years, and there are more vehicles on the roads. Yet the number of miles of roadway has increased by only 1%. Also, people are busier. Time is at a premium, and road congestion causes frustration.
According to the media, there are numerous events of aggressive driving or "road rage" on the public highways. There is growing concern among motorists about this problem. The American Automobile Association (AAA), Potomac Club commissioned a survey in early 1996 to determine what issues drivers were concerned about in the Washington, D.C. area. The largest group of drivers, 40%, felt the major traffic safety threat was the aggressive driver.
THE NEW YORK STATE POLICE AGGRESSIVE DRIVER PILOT PROGRAM
Over the July 4, 1997 holiday weekend, the New York State Police an aggressive driver pilot program on Long Island and in the southern Hudson Valley. The State Police define the aggressive driver as one who:
| Operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways. |
Since 1995, the State Police have had an anti-aggressive driver program "without fanfare". The Hazardous Violations Program was initiated in an effort to cut down on aggressive driving behaviors, in particular excessive speed and reckless driving, throughout the state. Now the State Police have initiated an enforcement and public information and education campaign which specifically targets the aggressive driving behaviors listed below.
Aggressive driving may be characterized by the following traffic violations:
As already noted in the Introduction, the NYS State Police have pointed out that there is a difference between aggressive driving and so called "road rage". "Road Rage", such as using the vehicle as a weapon or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle, is NOT aggressive driving. These are criminal offenses, and there are laws in place to deal with these violent crimes.
If you encounter an aggressive driver...
The New York State Police recommend these basic tips for dealing with an aggressive driver:
If you encounter an aggressive driver, consider the recommendations of the State Police.
However, there are some basic things that you can do to reduce your chances of ever becoming involved in an aggressive driving or "road rage" incident:
The following tips, which expand on the above points, were compiled from several different sources. Although the list is quite extensive, these suggestions are worth heeding:
BE AWARE OF ACTIONS WHICH CAN PROVOKE AGGRESSION
Motorists are advised to be patient and courteous to other drivers. You should correct any unsafe driving habits that may endanger, annoy or provoke other drivers. Be aware of the actions that have resulted in violence in the past. Many of these actions are simply eliminated by practicing common courtesy. Others are behaviors which are, or may be considered, offensive.
Avoid behaviors which are likely to provoke aggression:
Learn to spot the warning signs of stress, and try to avoid situations which are likely to cause stress, distraction and fatigue.
In general:
If you are making a long trip:
Road congestion is a major contributing factor to traffic disputes:
Allow plenty of time to get where you are going. Can you change your schedule or route to avoid the worst congestion? And does it really matter if you are a little late?
Listen to music that reduces your anxiety, or try listening to books on tape, but avoid anger-inducing talk radio. Use your air conditioner. Make your seat more comfortable by adjusting your seating position or using a pillow.
Take a deep breath. Don't clench your teeth or grip the steering wheel too tightly. Try doing limited stretching exercises.
Take a break to calm down, "cool off" or rest before you get behind the wheel.
KEEP YOUR COOL... THINK BEFORE YOU REACT
It is important for individuals to have a set of responses to cope with frustration. The most important advice is to remain patient in traffic congestion. You can gain a sense of control by realizing that people behave differently in different situations and that environmental factors may effect others to a greater or lesser degree than they effect you. Information about why a driver may be acting in a certain way will make their behavior more predictable to you, and you will be able to take action to avoid a confrontation, if necessary.
Evidence suggests that drivers who allow their emotions to spiral out of control while driving are a much greater risk to themselves than to those around them. It is important not to try to alleviate aggressive emotion with an outburst. Research shows that this does not help to overcome the situation, and the risk of retaliation increases.
Several psychologists suggest a "cooling off" period such as going for a walk or using relaxation techniques. Although many people, particularly men, go for a drive to "cool off", it is not recommended. Any activity that is an attempt to "cool off" must be distracting enough to interfere with the train of anger-inducing thought.
If you are challenged, take a deep breath and get out of the way, even if you are in the right.
Aggressive behavior behind the wheel could result in serious injury or even death to yourself or someone else. Don't let an impulsive action ruin the rest of your life.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
Aggressive Driving Issues Conference
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
