An overwhelming number of motorists admit to aggressive driving habits according to a new AAA study.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found 80% of motorists expressed significant anger and aggression behind the wheel.
“Clearly this is something that many people are admitting to. And realize that if it is just the 80% that are admitting to it, that’s still a pretty high percentage and perhaps we need to educate ourselves a little more and realize that it’s just not worth the experience of expressing that road rage," said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman Ken Grant.
He notes the study also found male drivers and younger drivers ages 19 to 39 are significantly more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors, such as speeding and weaving in and out of traffic.
Grant says there is no one cause for the aggression.
“People get frustrated when they’re stuck in traffic, they get frustrated at red lights, they get frustrated with other drivers. Arguably it could be lack of communication; maybe it’s a matter of the people who are experiencing more distracted driving and when they see other drivers who are distracted, not going when the light turns green or swerving in and out of lanes, that can also be a cause for road rage,” Grant said.
Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety says 127 fatalities reported over the last three years in Delaware were attributed to speeding.
In an effort to prevent road rage, AAA offers several tips, including being more tolerant of other drivers and not responding to aggressive drivers.
