The combination of risk and traffic congestion creates the perfect storm for deadly motor vehicle accidents. Close to 1.25 million people lose their lives annually in these types of collisions. Roads have never been more crowded. Two out of every five miles of U.S. interstates are plagued with congestion, according to The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2017 Infrastructure Report Card.
Consequences of angry driving
The ASCE also reports that traffic-related delays are costing approximately $160 million in fuel and time wasted, not to mention the frustration that comes with long wait times. Oftentimes, that simmering anger often boils over and takes the form of road rage, many times resulting in serious accidents.
CNN cites a 500% increase in reported road rage incidences over the last ten years. However, road rage has evolved from dangerous driving behavior met with the other driver getting out of their car.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that 80 percent of drivers are confronted with various forms of aggression while operating their vehicles.
Additional statistics include:
- The American Psychology Association reports that half of the drivers respond to another driver’s carelessness through their own aggressive behaviors
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 66 percent of traffic deaths were caused by aggressive driving
- National Public Radio cited driver error accounting for 94 percent of crashes
- Fifty-six percent of fatal collisions from 2003 to 2007 were caused by aggressive driving, according to the Insurance Information Institute
Various factors play a role in accidents. Negligent driving combined with a motor vehicle’s anger can have dangerous and deadly consequences.