Examples Of Aggressive Driving Behaviors
Speeding is a type of aggressive driving behavior. According to estimates by the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Foundation’s Annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, millions of drivers engaged in angry and aggressive behaviors in the 30 days before the survey.
Below are examples of aggressive driving behaviors:
- switching lanes quickly/or very close behind another car;
- making rude gestures or honking at other drivers;
- driving 15 mph or more over the speed limit on a freeway;
- driving through a red light;
- passing in front of a vehicle at less than a car length;
- speeding up when another vehicle tries to overtake you;
- following a vehicle closely to prevent other vehicles from merging; and
- merging into traffic even when another driver tries to close the gap between vehicles. Below are the various factors that have contributed to an overall rise in aggressive driving.
- Traffic Congestion: Traffic congestion contributes to aggressive driving, including speeding, changing lanes frequently, or becoming angry at anyone they believe impedes their progress.
- Running Late: Some people aggressively drive because they have too much to do and are “running late” for work, school, a meeting, or other appointments.
- Anonymity: A motor vehicle insulates the driver from the world. The driver becomes an observer of their surroundings rather than a participant. This can lead to some people feeling less constrained in their behavior.
- Disregard for Others and for the Law: Speeding and changing lanes abruptly might occur in response to specific situations. There is more rude and outrageous behavior on the road than in the past because more drivers drive more miles on the same roads than ever before.
