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Nearly 80% of drivers express significant anger, aggression or road rage
By AAA of Western and Central New York
While the holidays are usually a time of joy and cheer, getting ready for them can be stressful and overwhelming – especially if you’re rushing. The final shopping weekend is upon us, which means shoppers are anxious to check off their lists!
Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) finds nearly 80% of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once over a one-year span.
AAA Western and Central New York is reminding motorists to pack their patience this weekend.
The most alarming findings from the AAAFTS study suggest millions of U.S. drivers engaged in extreme examples of road rage, including:
“Everyone wants the perfect gift for the holidays, and emotions can run high trying to find it,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA WCNY. “Minor frustrations in parking lots or on the road can turn deadly when drivers take their anger out on other drivers.”
Road rage includes purposefully tailgating; yelling at another driver; honking; making angry gestures; trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes; cutting off another vehicle on purpose; getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver; and – perhaps the most dangerous of all – bumping or ramming another vehicle on purpose.
AAA offers these tips to help prevent road rage this shopping season:
Follow the rules of the road
Dealing with Confrontation
Always Remember
As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides more than 885,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.