Road rage has taken a back seat in the news compared to problems like distracted driving and drunk driving — but it is still a significant problem for many motorists.
Here are some of the most startling statistics about road rage:
Aggressive driving causes 66% of all roadway fatalities
Aggressive driving, which includes everything from tailgating a slower driver and rapidly switching lanes to skirt traffic to blaring a car’s horn and using illegal maneuvers, claims the lives of many pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and other drivers every year.
Approximately 50% of the victims of aggressive driving respond in kind
Aggressive, angry tactics from one driver tend to prompt aggressive, angry responses from other drivers. Around half of all drivers admit that when they’re confronted with an angry gesture, horn honking or tailgating that they’re likely to respond in kind. This ultimately contributes to the potential for an accident.
Firearms end up getting involved in 37% of incidents associated with road rage
Cars aren’t the only weapon that aggressive, angry drivers are prone to using. Guns tend to get involved in the situation about 1/3 of the time — which quickly escalates the danger for victims.
Around 2% of drivers will actively try to run another driver off the road
Well, perhaps a better way of putting that is that “2% of drivers will admit to trying to run another driver off the road” while angry. The true figure may be even higher.
Nobody has the right to take their frustrations out on other people — especially in a way that puts lives in danger. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a road rage incident, you may be able to claim compensation for your losses — even if the other driver isn’t convicted of anything illegal. Talk to an experienced attorney today.