Navigating New Hampshire roadways can invoke feelings of stress and anxiety for some. Whether caught behind a slow driver or rushing to get to an important meeting, you may get frustrated and even enraged.
Road rage is not uncommon throughout the United States. In fact, AAA reported that more than 80% of adult Americans say they too have had road rage at least once within the past year. It is the dangerous driving behaviors that often accompany road rage that endanger the lives of everyone on the road.
What are the signs of road rage?
Understanding the signs of road rage may help to minimize the dangers associated with the situation. According to the Insurance Information Institute, aggressive driving behaviors include the following:
- Failing to yield to stop lights, traffic signs, pedestrian crosswalks and other drivers’ right of way
- Speeding or racing other vehicles
- Following too closely behind another vehicle or tailgating
- Honking the horn excessively
- Yelling expletives or using profane hand gestures
- Cutting off other vehicles and/or blocking them from changing lanes
In extreme cases, drivers with road rage may attempt to hit into another vehicle or leave their car to start an altercation with another driver.
What should you do?
When faced with an aggressive driver, your first reaction may be to fight back. Yet acting defensive in these situations may only aggravate the problem. New Hampshire law enforcement recommend that drivers avoid engaging with enraged motorists and alert law officers as soon as possible. You should try to avoid eye contact, yelling back, racing or displaying reckless driving behaviors as well.