Holiday Driving Alert: Drivers Often Respond to Road Rage With More Rage

According to National Survey Half the Victims of Aggressive Drivers Become Victimizers Themselves

MERIDEN, Conn., Dec. 7 -- Fully one-half of drivers who are subjected to aggressive driving behavior on the road respond with aggression of their own, thus risking a more serious confrontation.

According to a recently released national survey by car insurer Response Insurance, when a driver gets the finger, is cut off or tailgated, 50% of the victims respond with horn honking, yelling, cutting-off, and obscene gestures of their own.

The "Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey" revealed that 34% of drivers say they honk their horn at the aggressor, 27% yell, 19% give the finger back, 17% flash their headlights, and 7% mimic the initial aggressive driving behavior. 2% of drivers admit to trying to run the aggressor off the road.

"Road rage is a two-way street," noted Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance. "It takes two people to fight. So, if you are subjected to aggressive driving, often the best way to ensure it does not get any worse is to just ignore it."

When it comes to aggressive responses, men are more likely than women to do so (54% vs. 46%), as are drivers age 18-24 (67%) versus drivers 65 and older (30%). Drivers with children are more likely to respond aggressively (59%) versus those without children (45%), and cell phone users (59%) versus those who do not use a cell phone while driving (39%).

Response Insurance is a direct to the consumer auto insurer focusing on insuring safe, responsible people. The Company regularly provides to the public news and information regarding driver safety and transportation issues. They issue safety tips, reports, analyses, and conduct original research as a public service. This Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey of 1,000 adults was conducted 8/18-21/05. The survey has a margin of error of + / - 3%. This data is being released for the first time in this news release.

          How to Avoid Aggressive Driving and Aggressive Drivers

  Attitude.

Driving is not a competitive sport. How much is really "won" by cutting ahead of another car? Stay calm, focus on getting from one place to another safely, and try to forget about time if you're running late.

Road Rage is a 2-Way Street.

One driver can't fight alone. Don't allow yourself to get drawn into a confrontation.

  Courtesy.
  Err on the side of being courteous.

  Turn Signal.

Using your turn signal makes sure drivers around you aren't surprised by your maneuver. A Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey revealed that 57% of drivers don't regularly use their signals.

Changing Lanes.

Don't cut off other drivers and make sure you have room when you merge onto a highway.

Keep Up the Pace.

Driving in the left lane slower that the prevailing traffic is asking for trouble. Regardless of the speed you are traveling, move to the right lane if someone wants to pass you.

Tailgating.

Tailgating not only greatly reduces your ability to respond, it can annoy the other driver. Keeping a safe distance never annoyed anyone.

Gestures.

Don't make obscene gestures. Avoid any visible sign that you may be angry.

Keep Your Distance.

If a driver is displaying signs of aggressive driving -- steer clear and get away from them.

Ease Up.

If someone cuts you off, slow down and give them room. Their aggression may escalate if you respond in kind.

Get Help.

If you think you are in serious danger, use a cellular phone to call the police, or drive to a police station or heavily populated area. Do not drive to your home and do not get out of the car until safe.

Apologize.

If you make a mistake try to apologize to the other driver with an appropriate gesture.