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Edition 14: Aggressive Driving

August 1, 2004

 

 

 

August is Aggressive Driving Awareness Month

Do you believe there is no harm in aggressive driving? Think again. Aggressive driving “a term that emerged during the 1990s” is a combination of unsafe and unlawful driving actions that show a conscious and willful disregard for safety to others and property. And safety is precisely what’s most important on our shared roadways!

Aggressive driving is caused by a variety of things: crowded roads, being in a hurry, work zones, stress from other areas of life, and dangerous driving attitudes. Traffic congestion is cited as the leading cause of aggressive driving.

Aggressive driving is a traffic offense that can include one or a combination of the following behaviors: speeding, tailgating, failing to yield, weaving in and out of traffic, passing on the right, making improper and unsafe lane changes, and running stop signs and red lights.

There is no one type of aggressive driver: Individuals who exhibit aggressive driving behaviors are both men and women, are of all ages, and come from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Speeding is one of the most common offenses committed by aggressive drivers. Aggressive driving can escalate into road rage – a criminal offense. Road rage is an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle.

Tips to Reduce Chances of Becoming an Aggressive Driver:

  • Reduce stress
    • Allow plenty of time for the trip
    • Listen to soothing music
    • Improve the comfort of your car
  • Do not drive when angry
  • Listen to traffic and weather reports to learn of potential delays and hazards.
  
 

Tips to Be a Courteous Driver:

  • Do not tailgate.
  • Use horn sparingly.
  • Do not block the passing lane.
  • Provide appropriate distance when cutting in after passing.
  • Concentrate on driving, not other tasks such as phone conversations, stereo, passengers or other distractions.
  • Avoid unnecessary use of high beam headlights.


 

- Aggressive Driving-

  • Aggressive driving accounts for about 1 out of 5 crashes.
  • Drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 years old are the most aggressive.
  • Male drivers are more aggressive than female drivers.
  • 66% of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving behaviors.
  • Aggressive driving incidents have risen by 51% since 1990.
  • The number of drivers on the road is increasing – 91% of people drive to work.
  • 37% of aggressive driving incidents involved a firearm.

 

LINKS OF INTEREST:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Public Health has completed numerous traffic safety campaigns.  To review and download these campaigns and others, visit: http://www.caph.gmu.edu/Campaigns.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded by a grant from

 

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269

http://www.dmv.state.va.us

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Mason University

Center for the Advancement of Public Health

4400 University Dr., MS1F5

Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

http://www.caph.gmu.edu