Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Road rage incidents have continued to increase every year since 2018, according the latest data from Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund.
In 2022, 554 people were shot during road rage incidents nationwide resulting in 413 injuries and 141 deaths. That equates to one road rage-related wounding every 16 hours in the U.S. In Virginia, three people have been injured during road rage shootings this year.
Road rage occurs when aggressive driving behaviors become extreme or violent. Examples range from angry gesturing and cursing to confronting and sideswiping. In more extreme cases, there can be brandishing of weapons and other violent actions or threats. Traffic congestion and other environmental factors can trigger road rage behaviors, especially in people with high impulsivity and the tendency to engage in hostile thinking.
AAA has these tips for avoiding aggression on the roadways:
• Practice polite driving habits. Follow the rules of the road and be courteous to others.
• Slow down and let the aggressor pass. Typically, the driver will not try to engage further when allowed to pass.
• Keep your cool. Don't take others' driving behaviors as a personal attack.
• Lay off the horn. Save the horn for emergencies, don't use it to aggressively call out other drivers.
• Don't drive under distress. Avoid driving if you’re angry, upset or fatigued.
• Be realistic about your travel time. Give yourself ample time to reach your destination in order to avoid speeding.
• Call 911 if you're threatened. If an aggressive driver threatens or attacks you, call 911 immediately
"If you do see an aggressive driver around you, cutting people off, things like that ... slow down and let that person pass," says Morgan Dean, AAA spokesperson. "If you feel that person is really putting people at risk on the roadway, that's worth a call to 911 to let police know about it. Because we know that some aggressive driving behaviors can turn deadly in a moment."
