Aggressive Driving

Aggressive Driving

Visha Thomas

January 27, 2010

Comm/105

Mecca Shabazz

University of Phoenix

Aggressive driving includes such things as illegal or improper lane changes or turns, failing to stop or yield right of way, excessive speeds, and an assortment of gestures, looks and verbally abusive language. Aggressive driving is very dangerous, but seems to be on the rise each day.

Everyday we have to deal with aggressive drivers on our roads; According to U.S. News and World Report, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that two-thirds of fatalities are at least partially caused by aggressive driving. Some forms of driving behaviors include failure to signal before a lane change, changing lanes too closely to other drivers and tailgating. Less law enforcement, highway traffic, congestion or personal issues also play a large role in the nature of the aggressive driver. This causes the frustrated driver to demonstrate their anger by speeding around the other vehicle, cutting the other driver off or with verbal and nonverbal messages. Drivers fear the aggressive driver (44%) more than the drunk driver (31%) according to a survey by the American Automobile Association.

Here are some suggestions that AAA makes to how drivers can avoid being the target of driver aggression: 1.) Not blocking the passing lane; 2.) Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you; 3.) First signaling your intentions when changing lanes and making sure you don't cut someone off when you move over; 4.) Do not succumb to displaying obscene gestures; 5.) Use your horn sparingly; 6.) Avoid the right hand lane if you are not turning right; 7). Don't take up more than one space when parking and don't park in a handicapped space; and 8.) Keep your headlights on low beam and don't retaliate with high beams.

In conclusion it seems aggressive driving is an everyday issue and is a growing problem in our nation. Aggressive driving creates a real problem to our everyday lives and there are things we all should do to insure that we do not fall victim of this problem. We as individuals are the only person that can fix the issues of road-rage. It's always ways around another driver's mistake; ask