Aggressive Driving

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Aggressive Driving
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Aggressive driving has become a serious problem

• Scenes like these are becoming all too familiar
  on highways across the nation!

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Did You Know?

• According to a NHTSA survey, more than 60 percent
  of drivers consider unsafe driving by others,
  including speeding, a major personal threat to
  themselves and their families.
• About 30 percent of respondents said they felt
  their safety was threatened in the last month,
  while 67 percent felt this threat during the last
  year.
• NHTSA

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• Weaving, tailgating, distracted drivers, and
  unsafe lane changes were some of the behaviors
  identified.
• A full 98 percent of respondents said it was
  important that something be done to reduce unsafe
  driving.
• NHTSA

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Nueces County Survey Information 2006
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Nueces County Survey Information 2006
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Who are aggressive drivers?

• High risk drivers who climb into the anonymity of
  an automobile and take out their frustrations on
  anybody at any time.
• Their frustration levels are high and levels of
  concern for fellow motorists are low.

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They May Look Like This!

• How many times have you seen this type of
  reaction from another driveror maybe even
  yourself?

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What do aggressive drivers do?

• Run stop signs and red lights
• Tailgate
• Weave in and out of traffic
• Pass on the right
• Make improper and unsafe lane changes
• Make hand and facial gestures
• Scream, honk, and flash their lights

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and more

• Drive at excessive speeds
• Follow too closely
• Change lanes frequently and abruptly without
  notice
• Pass on the shoulder or unpaved portions of the
  roadway
• Leer at and/or threaten - verbally or through
  gestures - motorists who are simply in front of
  them

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Reasons for Aggressive Driving?

• Mood
• Poor Planning
• Inability to Control Emotions
• Medical Conditions or Medications
• Lack of RestPoor Sleep
• Unbalanced Diet
• Anxiety and Panic Disorders

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Aggressive Driving Statistics

• In 2002, NHTSA reports 3,725 traffic fatalities
  in Texas
• It is estimated that approximately 35 of traffic
  fatalities were caused by aggressive driving
• Most of the aggressive driving accidents involved
  males age 18-26
• Women and drivers over 50 are also responsible
  for aggressive driving accidents

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Additional Facts

• Some of the cases involved cars being driven into
  crowds of people
• Some cases involved cars being driven into
  policeman
• Road Rage can cause inattentive driving and
  result in hitting of stationary objects

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Are you an aggressive driver?

• Do you take your frustrations from life with you
  when you get behind the wheel?
• Does your personality change when you get behind
  the wheel?
• Do you tailgate other drivers?
• Do you exceed the posted speed limit?
• Do you run stop signs and/or red lights?

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Have you qualified yet?

• Do you pass vehicles on the right, or in no
  passing zones?
• Do you make hand and/or facial gestures directed
  at another driver, or where only you can see
  them?
• Do you fail to yield to pedestrians?
• Do you fail to use your turn signal?
• Do you fail to yield to emergency vehicles?

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How did you do?

• Believe it or not
• If you answered Yes to any of the questions,
  YOU are also considered to be an aggressive
  driver.

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Avoid Being an Aggressive Driver

• Manage time effectively
• Regular exercise routine
• Relaxation exercises while driving
• Do not drive when angry
• Keep a positive attitude when driving
• Give other drivers a break
• Treat other drivers like you want to be treated

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In addition

• Try playing relaxing music in the car
• Think of your car as a refuge from the chaos and
  madness on the road around you
• Use public transportation when feasible
• Try to maintain safe following distance at all
  times
• Think before acting out

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Avoiding Aggressive Drivers

• Get out of their way
• Do not challenge in any way
• Avoid eye contact
• Wear your seatbelt
• Ignore gestures
• Dont take it personally
• Keep your head together and keep cool

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Report Aggressive Driving

• Should you find yourself being harassed by
  another driver, and/or being followed, do not
  stop or go to your home, proceed cautiously to
  the nearest police station and report the
  incident.
• When you can safely do so, you or a passenger,
  use a cellular phone to call the police.

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Info for Making a Report!

• Description of the aggressive drivers vehicle
• License plate number
• Location
• Direction of travel

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Something To Think About!

• If you feel yourself losing control, ask if it is
  worth your life or the life of another person.
• You may be the one to get the fine, jail time, or
  injury.
• Avoid the challenges of confrontations with an
  aggressive driver and support law enforcements
  efforts to rid the streets and highways of this
  menace.

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• Drive Safely
• Be Attentive
• Always Buckle Up
• More info http//ssrc.tamucc.edu