The holidays are fast approaching, and people everywhere are traveling to spend the holidays with loved ones. That means high traffic volumes and a whole lot of road rage.

As you probably know, road rage occurs when a driver becomes agitated and angry at another driver. The problem with road rage is that it can cause the angry driver to act unreasonably and drive erratically, increasing the probability of a traffic accident. Road rage is surprisingly common – in fact, 92% of drivers in 2023 witnessed road rage within the last year.

What kinds of unsafe driving are considered road rage? How dangerous is road rage? Can road rage be prevented? Let’s dive into the facts.

Is Road Rage Really That Dangerous?

The answer is a resounding yes – road rage can lead to severe personal injuries and even death in the event that a driver’s behavior causes an accident – or worse. Unfortunately, the dangers of road rage aren’t discussed often enough, causing many drivers to believe that it’s “no big deal.” Below are just a few alarming statistics that display just how dangerous road rage can be.

  • About 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving.
  • 50% of drivers respond to the reckless driving of others with their own acts of reckless driving.
  • The American Automobile Association has connected over 12,500 personal injuries to driver violence out of only 10,000 collisions since 2007.
  • Within the span of only seven years, over 12,000 personal injuries and 200 murders have been linked to road rage.
  • Over a seven year period, 12,610 personal injuries and 218 murders were caused by road rage.
  • There has been a 500% increase in reported road rage incidents in the last decade.

Disturbingly, not all road rage injuries and fatalities are caused by a traffic collision.

  • 37% of incidents of aggressive driving involve a firearm.
  • Someone was fatally shot in a road rage incident once every sixteen hours in 2022
  • Every year, about 30 murders are linked to road rage.

What Causes Road Rage?

About 94% of car accidents are caused by driver error – which could possibly explain why drivers get so angry that they contribute to this statistic. According to surveys conducted by The Zebra, the following are the roadway occurrences that drivers report as some of the most frustrating things about driving.

  • Being cut off by another driver (52%).
  • When other drivers are using their phones behind the wheel (30%).
  • Being tailgated (4%)
  • Traffic (8%).

What is Considered Road Rage?

Everyone gets angry while driving at one point or another – what constitutes as road rage is acting on dangerous impulses as a result of those feelings. Below are some common instances of road rage.

  • Deliberately slowing down to “teach a lesson” to the driver behind you.
  • Changing lanes without signaling first. (60% of drivers have witnessed this kind of aggressive driving.)
  • Cursing, yelling, or making obscene gestures at another driver. (9% of drivers have witnessed this form of road rage.)
  • Tailgating.
  • Sideswiping another vehicle.
  • Throwing objects out the window.
  • Getting out of the vehicle to have a verbal or physical confrontation with another driver.

Preventing Road Rage

Road rage incidents can be prevented. If you are traveling near another vehicle driving aggressively or the driver is becoming enraged, put as much distance between yourself and the other driver as you safely can. Call the police to report the incident. Don’t talk to, gesture toward, or otherwise engage with the other driver as this may escalate the situation. If the angry driver gets out of their vehicle to confront you, do not exit your vehicle. Call the police immediately.

If you are experiencing road rage, it’s vital not to act on dangerous impulses. Surveys have shown that the most common way that angry drivers calm themselves is by listening to music or a podcast (30.5% of respondents).

If you have suffered a personal injury in a motor vehicle accident, contact The Pottenger Law Firm as quickly as possible to schedule your initial consultation. During your legal consultation, you will receive free legal advice from a skilled Kansas City personal injury attorney near you. We’ll fight for the financial compensation you deserve.