Road Rage Statistics - How to Avoid Rage & Stay Safe

Fully one-half of drivers who are subjected to aggressive driving behavior on the road respond with aggression of their own, thus risking a more serious confrontation.

According to a recently released national survey, when a driver gets the finger, is cut off or tailgated, 50 percent of the victims respond with horn honking, yelling, cutting-off, and obscene gestures of their own.

"If you are subjected to aggressive driving, often the best way to ensure it doesn't get any worse is to just ignore it."

The survey, administered by Response Insurance, revealed that 34 percent of drivers say they honk their horn at the aggressor, 27 percent yell, 19 percent give the finger back, 17 percent flash their headlights, and 7 percent mimic the initial aggressive driving behavior. Two percent of drivers admit to trying to run the aggressor off the road.

"Road rage is a two-way street," noted Ray Palermo, of Response Insurance. "It takes two people to fight. So, if you are subjected to aggressive driving, often the best way to ensure it does not get any worse is to just ignore it."

When it comes to aggressive responses, men are more likely than women to do so (54% vs. 46%), as are drivers age 18-24 (67%) versus drivers 65 and older (30%). Drivers with children are more likely to respond aggressively (59%) versus those without children (45%), and cell phone users (59%) versus those who do not use a cell phone while driving (39%).

How to Avoid Aggressive Driving and Aggressive Drivers
Attitude	Driving is not a competitive sport. How much is really "won" by cutting ahead of another car? Stay calm, focus on getting from one place to another safely, and try to forget about time if you're running late.
Smarts	One driver can't fight alone. Don't allow yourself to get drawn into a confrontation.
Courtesy	Err on the side of being courteous.
Turn Signal	Using your turn signal makes sure drivers around you aren't surprised by your maneuver. A Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey revealed that 57% of drivers don't regularly use their signals.
Changing Lanes	Don't cut off other drivers and make sure you have plenty of room when you merge onto a highway.
Keep Up the Pace	Driving in the left lane slower that the prevailing traffic is asking for trouble. Regardless of the speed you are traveling, move to the right lane if someone wants to pass you.
Tailgating	Tailgating not only greatly reduces your ability to respond, it can annoy the other driver. Keeping a safe distance never annoyed anyone.
Gestures	Don't make obscene gestures. Avoid any visible sign that you may be angry.
Keep Your Distance	If a driver is displaying signs of aggressive driving -- get away from them.
Ease Up	If someone cuts you off, slow down and give them room. Their aggression may escalate if you respond in kind.
Get Help	If you think you are in serious danger, use a cellular phone to call the police, or drive to a police station or heavily populated area. Do not drive to your home and do not get out of the car until safe.
Apologize	If you make a mistake try to apologize with an appropriate gesture.

(Source: Response Insurance)