CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 2, 2018) – A recent trend has shown that road rage incidents are growing increasingly more violent and dangerous, in some instances. This is certainly true of a recent situation between two motorists in Greenville, SC.
On the evening of July 27, a driver was cut off in traffic by another driver on a Greenville highway. In retaliation, the driver who was cut off sped up to the other driver and proceeded to cut that driver off. In short, the incident escalated with both drivers shooting their firearms at one another.
It was about 10 p.m. when police reported they received calls about “two vehicles shooting at each other,” and they were able to quickly locate the cars and stop them at a nearby Waffle House.
“Aggressive driving is dangerous enough as is, with the increase in speed and close proximity to other cars increasing the chance for a collision as well as diverting attention from the road,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas Spokesperson. “But couple that with the increase in violent behavior behind the wheel and we have an even more dangerous situation than before. This puts every motorist on the road in danger.”
A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous year.
AAA Carolinas provided these tips to follow in order to prevent road rage:
- Don’t offend. Avoid causing another driver to change their speed or direction . Additionally, do not force another driver to use their breaks or turn the steering wheel unless in a necessary situation.
- Be tolerant of other drivers. Don’t take any negative actions personally.
- Maintain the adequate following distance. Don’t tailgate drivers even if you feel they are going too slow.
- Allow others to merge.
- Use your turn signals.
- Use your high beams responsibly.
- Be considerate in parking lots.
- If another driver is aggressive toward you, avoid eye contact and remain calm. If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station or hospital.
- If you feel threatened, call 911.
AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million members and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.