Nevadans can take several steps during their daily commutes to reduce stress and avoid getting involved in road rage incidents. Road rage and aggressive driving are responsible for 66 percent of fatal traffic accidents. It is important for people to destress during their drives and avoid aggressive drivers so they can remain safe.
Road Rage Dangers
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that 130 million drivers in the U.S. share the road each day during their commutes. When there are large numbers of people on the roads, people may become frustrated and engage in aggressive driving and road rage.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving is involved in 66 percent of fatal traffic accidents. When people encounter aggressive drivers, half respond by driving aggressively themselves. In 37 percent of road rage incidents, firearms are involved. In a review of 10,000 incidents of road rage that occurred over a period of seven years, researchers found that they caused 12,610 injuries and 218 fatalities.
Why Do Drivers Experience Road Rage?
Drivers experience road rage for a number of reasons. They might become enraged by any of the following incidents:
- Getting cut off
- The inability to pass
- Getting flipped off
- Getting honked at multiple times
- Tailgating
How to Avoid Road Rage Incidents
There are several steps that people can take when they encounter aggressive drivers. When people are being tailgated, they should try to move over and allow the aggressive driver to pass. People should avoid making eye contact with aggressive drivers and allow them plenty of space. They might also be able to defuse the situation by giving an apologetic wave. People should resist the urge to engage in contests with aggressive drivers. When they respond in kind, they increase the risk that they will be involved in serious car accidents.
Ways to Destress During Commutes
People should also try to destress during their commutes. They might want to listen to music or audiobooks that they enjoy. They can also reduce the stress of their morning commutes by planning ahead so that they are not running late. People can also download traffic apps so that they can take alternate routes if there are traffic jams ahead.
Learning how to avoid road rage incidents and to destress can make commuting safer. People may reduce their chances of becoming involved in dangerous car accidents.
