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Road Rage & De-Escalation

Why we talk about driving:

Year after year, motor vehicle accidents are at the top of the list for causes of workplace fatalities. 


Off the job, they take tens of thousands of lives a year. 


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were an estimated 6.1 million police-reported car accidents in the United States in 2021. 


Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of workplace injuries according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 


In 2013, motor vehicle incidents contributed to 40% of all workplace fatalities.


A 2019 Report showed Traffic Crashes Cost Employers $72.2 Billion annually.


What is road rage?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage as when a driver “commits moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passengers of another motor vehicle."


Road rage is defined differently from aggressive driving by making the point that road rage involves using a vehicle in a way that endangers other individuals on purpose.


Statistics on road rage:

There is limited research on road rage, but some facts include:


  • Between 1990 and 1996 road rage contributed to 218 deaths and 12,610 injuries.

  • From 2003 to 2007, over half of fatal crashes involved at least one driver who performed a potentially aggressive action.

  • A recent study (of U.S. drivers) found that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous year.

  • Some of the most common aggressive driving behaviors exhibited by U.S. drivers within the last year were:

    • purposefully tailgating - 51% of all drivers (104 million drivers), 

    • yelling at another driver- 47% 

    • honking to show annoyance or anger- 45%


Preventing Road Rage:

The AAA Foundation provides the following guidance for preventing road rage incidents:

  • Maintain adequate following distance.

  • Use turn signals.

  • Allow others to merge.

  • Use your high beams responsibly.

  • Tap your horn if you must (but no long blasts with accompanying hand gestures).

  • Be considerate in parking lots. 

    • Park in one spot, not across multiple spaces. 

    • Be careful not to hit cars next to you with your door.


Dealing with Confrontation:

If you if find yourself dealing with an angry or an aggressive driver try the following to de-escalate.


  • Avoid eye contact with angry drivers.

  • Don’t respond with aggression towards the angry driver.

  • Be tolerant and forgiving.

  • If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place. 

  • Use your horn to attract attention but remain in your locked vehicle.

  • If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.

  • If threatened, call 911 immediately.



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