Navigating the busy New Jersey roadways can be challenging, especially during rush hour. Whether you are trying to get to work on time or you are late for an important appointment, traversing in traffic can certainly cause some to lose their temper. In fact, approximately 80 percent of American admit to losing their temper while driving at least once during the past year. Furthermore, males are more likely to experience road rage then women. The problem lies in the fact that more than 56% of deadly car accidents involved aggressive driving behaviors, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When people drive aggressively, they put others lives in danger. Motorists should be on the lookout for the signs of road rage when driving, as they may be able to prevent a fatal accident from occurring.
Some key signs of an aggressive driver include the following:
- Following too closely behind another vehicle or tailgating
- Erratic lane changing
- Speeding and cutting off other drivers
- Excessive horn honking
- Racing other vehicles
- Failing to adhere to road sighs, pedestrian crosswalks and traffic signals
Aggressive drivers may yell profanities, use obscene hand gestures or actually initiate a physical altercation with another driver. Law enforcement officers warn drivers to avoid interacting with these enraged drivers, as it could cause further issues. Instead, motorists should contact law enforcement and alert them to the whereabouts of the aggressive drivers, so they can handle the problem appropriately. By doing so, drivers may help to prevent an accident from occurring and could save a life as a result.