Have you experienced road rage while driving? If so, you’re not alone. Road rage behaviour includes rude gestures, verbal insults, deliberately driving in an unsafe manner or making threats.
A recent survey indicated one in three Canadian drivers engage in road rage behaviour, commonly triggered by distracted drivers, tailgaters, cutting people off, taking up two parking spots and driving with pets on their lap. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attribute 66% of traffic deaths to aggressive driving.
Last September a man was injured during a road rage incident in Abbotsford, BC. Two vehicles stopped at an intersection after insults were exchanged. The victim was struck by the suspect’s vehicle as he exited the car.
Some BC motorists have installed dashboard cameras to protect themselves from road-ragers and false insurance claims.
Don’t engage the driver if you’re being harassed on the road. Although it might be hard to do, letting the other driver “win” could defuse the situation. If the road-rager starts to drive recklessly, change your route to avoid a traffic accident.
For more information
- Road Rage Rising and Getting Nastier, The Province
- 1 in 3 Canadians Suffer from Road Rage Each Month: Survey, Global News
- BC Drivers Install Dashboard Cameras, Slater Vecchio LLP
- Road Rage, Wikipedia
