According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), which conducted a study of more than 10,000 incidents of violent aggressive driving between 1990 and 1996, agressive driving resulted in more than 218 deaths and 12,610 injuries. How many more went unreported?
Ten years after the fact, the problem seems to be reaching epidemic proportions.
But why?
There are any number of reasons the study cites, mostly involving impaired emotional driving such as:
I have even witnessed many instances of aggression which involved drivers with small children (in child seats) as passengers.
Don't they realize they are jeopardizing their children's safety, as well as their own? Do they just not care?
Whatever the reasons for their recklessness, it pays for the rest of us to be highly attentive when driving, even when traveling only a short distance. Keep yourself safe from becoming a target by following the basic rules of the road, and by avoiding retaliation against aggressive drivers.
Also, avoid making obscene gestures, flashing your brights, tailgaiting (or braking hard while being tailgated), and stay off the phone while driving. However, it's always wise to keep a cell phone handy, should you need to call for emergency help.
Why can't we all just (be courteous) and get along?
