A recent nationwide study revealed driver habits and the cities that have the most aggressive drivers.  According to the study, if you live in major city on either coast, you’re more likely to expirience or witness road rage.  Miami tops the list as the worst cities for aggressive driving, followed by New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Washington.

 

While you may find yourself caught in the heat of the moment when the car in front of you cuts you off; road rage can have deadly consequences.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 66% of all annual traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving actions (ie: passing on the right, running red lights and tailgating.)

 

AAA’s website offers three rules that if followed, should reduce one’s chances of encountering or becoming an enraged driver.

• “Don’t offend” Obey the rules of the road and be courteous of other drivers.  If you are driving slow in the left lane, and notice that someone wants to pass you, let them.  Do not tailgate or cut off other drivers and do not make gestures.
• “Don’t engage” Do not make eye contact with an enraged driver and refrain from antagonize an already angry driver, as this would only exacerbate the situation.
• “Adjust your attitude” It’s possible that the car in front of you, driving slow in the left hand lane, did not notice that you were trying to pass them.  It’s not about winning, if someone cuts you off; do not try to one up them.  Before getting angry, try putting yourself in the other driver’s shoes.