Road rage is an issue that motorists experience once in a while. It’s completely normal to lose your cool during moments of stress behind the wheel. However, any displaced aggressiveness can lead to dangerous consequences. It is a common issue affecting 80% of motorists who experience significant bouts of anger or distress on the road, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The consequences range from fines to license suspension and even jail time. Legal action may take place when the damages are substantial. If these don’t intimidate you enough to keep calm behind the wheel, you might want to consider the effects of road rage on your insurance premium, especially if you can only afford cheap auto insurance.
What Is Road Rage and How Does It Differ From Aggressive Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is a distinct difference between aggressive driving and road rage. The former is described as a driving behavior that could potentially endanger lives or cause property damage. The latter, though, is the extreme escalation of such violent behavior while driving. If aggressive driving alone suffices for a traffic violation, road rage is considered a criminal offense. Keep in mind the possible repercussions you might face for going beyond just losing your cool when you’re behind the wheel.
Road Rage and Auto Insurance Rates: How Are They Related?
Financial protection should be a priority of every motorist. Depending on the auto insurance deals you will find, insurance covers a range of potential losses outlined in a specific set of policies.
It is important to be aware of the coverage of your auto insurance policy, especially when you encounter a road rage situation caused by you or another motorist. In most cases, road rage is exempted from these insurance policies, and the risk of paying substantial damages is more likely than you think.
Most insurance policies exempt road rage. Also, frequent violations due to aggressive driving behaviors are likely to be considered intentional thus, leaving you liable for damages. If you remain negligent and get cited as a high-risk driver, auto insurance companies are likely to cancel your coverage.
Adjustments in insurance rates are closely related to your driving record. A rocky record may result in higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of you causing violations or getting into accidents. The idea is simple: the riskier driver you are, the higher your premiums will be.
What Actions May Be Considered Road Rage?
While the NHTSA draws a fine line between road rage and aggressive driving, it’s clear that every driver must be aware of the factors leading to aggression behind the wheel. Here are some warning signs to keep in mind:
- Tailgating: When you drive too close to another vehicle from behind.
- Speeding: When you drive at a speed beyond the legal limit (limits may vary depending on your location).
- Changing lanes erratically or excessively.
- Shouting insults or making rude gestures towards another driver.
- Driving on or through prohibited spaces such as ditches, sidewalks, or other areas pedestrians use.
- Erratic driving under the influence (DUI)
Main Causes of Road Rage
A leading factor to rage and aggression when driving is traffic congestion, according to a study conducted by the NHTSA. Driver impatience largely contributes to increased stress on the road, resulting in erratic behaviors and the urge to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. This contributing factor is evident not only in private auto owners but also in drivers and passengers of public transportation.
In a survey conducted by the NHTSA, nearly 25% of respondents get impatient while waiting for more passengers to get on board the vehicle. It also found that 33% experience impatience at stoplights or parking spaces while 22% feel escalated aggression upon nearing a narrowing highway.
While these numbers show how congestion affects your mood while driving, other more subtle factors may cause road rage or aggression, such as:
- Running late to school or work.
- Delays such as road maintenance repairs and heavy traffic.
- Distractions such as texting or calling while driving.
- Stressors or emotional triggers such as heated arguments with other drivers or passengers.
How to Prevent Road Rage or Aggressive Driving
Nobody likes to drive by or next to high-risk drivers, but that doesn’t mean you are immune to triggers. Luckily, there are ways to prevent violent driving behaviors from taking control over your wheel.
Start by taking time to calm down or relax if you find yourself feeling stressed or angry while driving. If a stressor or trigger is nearby, keep your focus steady on the road. Don’t try to blow off steam by placing your distress on the wheel. Keep your speed level within the legal limit if you need to speed up and be aware of any traffic signs.
It also helps to be punctual. Nobody likes to be in a hurry all the time, especially during rush hour. If you are a morning person, getting up extra early will prove beneficial for you in the long run. You are more likely to skip unwanted recklessness on the road.
On another note, when you have extra time in your hands, it’s best to check on ongoing road maintenance or construction in your area. Knowing about roadworks beforehand will allow you to take detours, saving you from the stress and hassle of a traffic jam.
Also, don’t forget to use your traffic signals wisely. Using hand gestures may be impractical in traffic situations, especially when you are in a hurry. Always consider that other drivers are unaware of your struggle or urgency unless you give proper signals. It won’t help to tailgate other vehicles either. You might find yourself in an unwanted dispute with an unknowing stranger.
Avoid blowing your horns at other drivers to get their attention. If necessary, use short honks to catch the attention of other drivers on the road. However, prolonged and unnecessary honking might cause further disruptions. If other drivers are honking at you, consider your speed level. You might be driving too slow, so it’s best to give way to other drivers in this case.
Abide and obey traffic laws at all times. Ensure that you are aware of what to avoid on the road to prevent yourself from getting a citation. Any willful disregard of traffic rules can stain your driving record, leading to possible higher auto insurance costs.
I’m in a Road Rage Situation – What Do I Do?
Even if you are driving safely, the likelihood of driving by or next to aggressive drivers is high in densely populated cities. If you find yourself caught in road rage, stay alert and continue to abide by traffic rules.
If possible, make sure to keep a safe distance away from the aggressive driver. Try not to match his or her speed. Rather than matching and escalating aggression, it’s best to limit any potential damage or harm. If there are passengers with you, remain calm and steady behind the wheel.
Always drive with two hands on the steering wheel. It often becomes a habit to drive with one hand. When caught in road rage, though, keep both hands on the wheel. You are likely to send quicker signals by doing this.
As much as possible, head directly to your destination when in a road rage situation. Your goal as the driver is to move from point A to point B safely. Avoid returning any rude gestures or insults thrown at you. Even when they become stressors, it’s best to not place that stress on the road, especially when you have passengers with you. In this case, you are responsible for not only your life but other people’s safety as well. Ensure that your seat belts are buckled in case of unexpected braking or erratic lane changing.
In the case of an aggressive driver following you to your destination, the best course of action is to lead them to a nearby police station or populated area. When necessary, call your emergency hotline and describe the situation. According to an industry source, only about 10% of drivers resorted to calling the police on aggressive drivers. If any damages or incidents occur because of excessive tailgating or intentional crashing, you can pursue legal action.
Got Road Rage? Don’t Let It Affect You and Your Insurance Rates
Despite being a common issue, road rage is absolutely avoidable. No one likes running late and getting stuck in heavy traffic, but your attitude towards driving greatly affects your life and your insurance rate. While some causes of road rage are out of your control, there are many ways you can prevent it from affecting your life. As they say, prevention is key and financial protection is the best course of action. Don’t let road rage affect how you’ll get an auto insurance deal that is most suitable for your needs and budget.
