Motorists in New Jersey and other states are increasingly engaging in road rage and other aggressive driving behaviors, according to federal data. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that deadly car accidents involving aggressive driving have skyrocketed in recent years. In addition, a nonprofit news organization reported that incidents involving drivers brandishing or firing guns at other drivers climbed from 247 in 2014 to 620 in 2016.
Meanwhile, most U.S. drivers readily admit that they can be aggressive behind the wheel. A survey conducted by the American Automobile Association’s Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 80% of drivers admitted they expressed anger, aggression or road rage at least once in the previous 12 months. Specifically, 51% of of drivers said they have purposely tailgated other vehicles, 47% said they have yelled at other motorists, 45% said they have honked their horns at others in anger and 33% have made obscene gestures at others. However, a smaller percentage of drivers admit they have engaged in even more aggressive behaviors. Specifically, 24% of drivers said they have purposely blocked another car from changing lanes, 12% said they have purposely cut off another driver, 4% have left their vehicle to confront another motorist and 3% said they have purposely rammed another car out of anger.
Experts say that stress and other life problems, such as job, money, and relationship issues, can cause drivers to make aggressive decisions while behind the wheel. To remedy this, motorists are encouraged to remain calm and not take the driving mistakes of others as personal affronts. If a road incident occurs, drivers should not escalate the situation.
Victims of road rage car crashes often suffer injuries that require expensive medical treatment. They might find it helpful to have a lawyer’s assistance when seeking compensation from the at-fault driver.