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TIP OF THE WEEK
Date: August 15, 2016
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING
Eight out of 10 drivers surveyed in the AAA Foundation’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index rank aggressive driving as a “serious” or “extremely serious” risk that jeopardizes their safety. They’re right. Aggressive driving accounts for more than half of all traffic fatalities and is a factor in up to 56% of deadly vehicle crashes. Motorists are concerned with others’ aggressive driving while many are guilty themselves.
Although “road rage” incidents provide some of the most shocking views of aggressive driving, many common behaviors, including racing, tailgating, failing to observe signs and regulations, and seeking confrontations with other drivers, all qualify as potentially aggressive behaviors. Speeding is one of the most prevalent aggressive behaviors. AAA Foundation studies show that speeding is a factor in one third of all fatal crashes.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety was founded in 1947 by AAA to conduct research to address growing highway safety issues. The organization’s mission is to identify traffic safety problems, foster research that seeks solutions and disseminate information and educational materials.
Despite strong public awareness and understanding of aggressive driving, many people are willing to excuse aggressive behaviors. Half of all drivers in AAA’s Traffic Safety Culture Index admitted to exceeding both neighborhood and highway speed limits by more than 15% in the past 30 days. More remarkable, a quarter of drivers say they consider speeding acceptable.
As more people understand the many behaviors that can become aggressive and see their own behavior in a new light, they can begin to adopt safer driving practices and manage risk more effectively.
Do you think YOU are a calm driver? Find out by taking a short quiz on the AAA website at www.aaafoundation.org/are-you-aggressive-driver.
For more tips and information, visit our website, use the “MobilePatrol” app on your Smartphone, and Like us on Facebook.
