{"id":8820,"date":"2023-05-12T09:35:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-12T09:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/?p=8820"},"modified":"2023-05-19T17:10:21","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T17:10:21","slug":"dont-be-a-victim-of-road-rage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/blog\/auto-insurance\/dont-be-a-victim-of-road-rage\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Be a Victim of Road Rage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jammed highways and traffic gridlocks are the source of much irritation to many drivers, contributing to aggressive driving incidents which can lead to serious accidents, and ultimately, road rage. These incidents can also have an impact on your <\/span>auto insurance<\/span><\/a> rates and coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Road Rage: Don’t Get Mad, Get Informed<\/b><\/h2>\n

Road rage is a term used to describe an extreme and dangerous behavior that can occur when a driver becomes angry or frustrated while operating a vehicle. It often includes aggressive driving tactics such as tailgating, speeding, and disregarding traffic laws like the speed limit or other traffic violations. Road rage can also involve rude gestures or verbal abuse directed at other drivers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Road rage is a high-risk behavior that is often associated with <\/span>high-risk drivers<\/span><\/a>, and the severity of road rage episodes can range from minor incidents to criminal offenses. Road rage accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, and <\/span>according to road rage statistics<\/span><\/a>, aggressive driving is responsible for about one-third of all crashes and two-thirds of the resulting fatalities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s important for drivers to stay calm and focused while behind the wheel, especially in stressful situations, to prevent the occurrence of road rage behavior and to minimize the risk of road rage accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common Road Rage Sparks\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Understanding the most common causes of road rage can help drivers stay safe and avoid dangerous situations. Based on research and statistics, the top five causes of road rage are:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Heavy traffic\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Being cut off or tailgated\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Running late\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Getting stuck behind slow-moving vehicles<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Road construction\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    By recognizing these triggers and taking steps to stay calm and focused, drivers can help reduce the risk of road rage incidents and make the roads safer for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Differences Between Road Rage and Aggressive Driving<\/b><\/h3>\n

    The terms “road rage” and “aggressive driving” are often used interchangeably, but there are some important differences between the two. According to the <\/span>National Highway Traffic Safety Administration<\/span><\/a> (NHTSA), road rage \u201cinvolves a criminal act of violence, whereas aggressive driving can range from tailgating to speeding to running red lights.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    While road rage is a form of aggressive behavior that can result in criminal offenses, aggressive driving refers to a range of dangerous driving behaviors that can increase the risk of accidents and injuries on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Examples of aggressive driving behaviors include tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights. These actions can be reckless and put other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in danger. In contrast, road rage results when an aggressive driver takes their behavior to the extreme and engages in violent or criminal actions such as assault, brandishing a weapon, or causing a collision intentionally.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It’s important for drivers to be aware of the differences between road rage and aggressive driving and to avoid engaging in either behavior. Aggressive driving can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, while road rage can lead to criminal charges and even jail time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    By staying calm and focused on the road, drivers can help reduce the risk of both aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Consequences of Road Rage\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Road rage can have severe consequences, both for the driver who engages in reckless driving behavior and for others on the road. Some of the potential consequences of road rage include legal charges, license suspension, and higher car insurance rates. In addition, road rage incidents can cause bodily harm, exacerbate traffic congestion, and result in costly accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Legal Consequences\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Road rage can have serious legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges. If a driver engages in aggressive or dangerous behavior on the road, they may face charges such as reckless driving or assault with a deadly weapon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    These charges can result in hefty fines, points on the driver’s license, and even jail time. In addition to the criminal charges, a road rage incident can also lead to a civil lawsuit filed by any injured parties. The legal consequences of road rage can be severe and long-lasting, making it important for drivers to avoid aggressive behaviors on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Car Accidents\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

    A study from the <\/span>AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety<\/span><\/a> found that aggressive behaviors such as tailgating,\u00a0 excessive speed, illegal passing, or erratic lane changing are contributing factors in up to 56% of fatal crashes. <\/span>Another AAA Foundation study <\/span><\/a>examined more than 10,000 road rage incidents committed over seven years \u2013 responsible for at least 218 murders and another 12,610 injury cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Higher Insurance Rates<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Auto insurance rates are determined by various factors, such as age, driving history, and location. However, road rage incidents can also impact these rates, resulting in higher insurance costs. Insurance companies view aggressive driving as a <\/span>risk factor<\/span><\/a> and may increase rates accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Even if a road rage incident does not lead to an accident, the behavior itself may be seen as indicative of a higher likelihood of future accidents, resulting in higher insurance costs for the driver. Therefore, it’s important to avoid road rage and practice safe driving habits to keep insurance costs at a minimum.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Road rage can also cause problems with your liability insurance coverage if you\u2019re involved in an auto accident. Many car insurance policies exclude road rage as a covered event, and consequently, won\u2019t pay for any damages resulting from a road rage incident.\u00a0 It\u2019s important to review your car insurance policy to understand what\u2019s covered and what\u2019s excluded, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Road Rage Survival Guide: Tips for Staying Calm Behind the Wheel<\/b><\/h2>\n

    So, what can you do to keep from becoming involved in a road rage incident?<\/span><\/p>\n

    Follow these tips and you\u2019ll decrease your chances of facing a dangerous situation:<\/span><\/p>\n