Aggressive Driving Can Be Deadly

Not only is aggressive driving a problem on Montana roadways, it is also an issue for drivers throughout most of the United States. People’s lives can get stressful and some take their anxiety and anger out on the road. When people become stuck in traffic day after day, are late to an important appointment or just irritated with other drivers in general, they may snap and take their rage out on an unsuspecting motorist. Aggressive driving behaviors put the lives of motorists at risk, as well as the lives of everyone else on the road.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 15 states in the country have laws against aggressive driving. Montana legislation warns that motorists who are driving unsafely may be pulled over, even if they are not speeding. AAA studied more than 10,000 claims of reported road rage and discovered that the number of aggressive driving incidents increased by 51 percent between 1990 and 1996. This number has grown since then and may be low as many cases go unreported.

The Insurance Information Institute reports that aggressive drivers often display the following hazardous driving behaviors, and motorists should look out for these dangerous habits, including the following:

• Improper, constant or erratic lane changes.
• Following extremely close behind another vehicle.
• Excessive horn honking, yelling or use of expletives.
• Failure to yield to the right of way.
• Making improper turns and/or failing to signal.
• Failure to use proper traffic signals and signs.

Drivers with road rage may pass other motorists illegally, change speeds haphazardly or attempt to intimidate motorists with their dangerous driving behaviors.