AAA Study: Road Rage On The Rise
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WASHINGTON (CBSMiami/AP) -- A new survey says most drivers are guilty of losing their cool behind the wheel.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says nearly 8 out of 10 U.S. drivers it surveyed admit expressing anger, aggression or road rage at least once in the previous year. That includes either following too closely, yelling at another driver, cutting them off or making angry gestures. And an estimated 8 million drivers did something more serious, like bumping or ramming a vehicle on purpose or getting out of their cars to confront another driver.
"I think we're surprised at how often it's occurring, and to tell you the truth we look at these numbers and people tend to under report," said Tamra Johnson from AAA.
Male drivers and drivers between 19 and 39 were significantly more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors.
The survey also found drivers in the northeast are angrier than those in other parts of the country.
AAA offers tips like never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. Be tolerant, the other driver could be having a really bad day and don't respond with eye contact or gestures, that can only escalate the situation.
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