Although New York drivers have the reputation of being aggressive drivers, there are drivers with road rage throughout the entire country. In fact, a poll taken by AAA reports that nearly 80% of adult drivers in the U.S. says that they too have had feelings of rage while driving within the past year.
The dangers of road rage stem from the reckless driving behaviors that often accompany it. AAA also reported that approximately 56% off all deadly accidents involve one form of reckless or aggressive driving. It is critical to keep on the lookout for such dangerous driving behaviors to reduce the risk of becoming involved in an accident.
Signs of an aggressive driver
Drivers with road rage may exhibit hazardous driving behaviors, similar to drunk, drowsy or reckless drivers. These may include the following:
- Speeding or racing other vehicles
- Honking the horn excessively
- Yelling obscenities or using hand gestures
- Cutting off other drivers or blocking them from changing lanes
- Failing to yield to other drivers, stop signs, traffic lights or pedestrian crosswalks
- Failing to use turn signal
Aggressive motorists drive recklessly and endanger the lives of everyone on the road.
Alert law enforcement
When motorists encounter drivers with road rage, their first reaction may be to stop the aggressive motorist. However, this may lead to even further dangers. The best route of action is to call law enforcement and alert an officer to the location of the situation. Officers are trained to handle the situation safely.
In New York, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor, and people who are found engaging in the act may be fined and could face further charges.