Is there a difference between road rage and aggressive driving?

You may think that some Louisiana drivers have road rage because of the way they drive. However, there is a difference between road rage and aggressive driving.

While you may think that actions such as tailgating or failing to signal constitute road rage, this is not the case. The American Automobile Association says that road rage includes sideswiping other cars and making rude hand motions. Running cars off the road, throwing things and ramming other vehicles are also considered road rage. These actions are more common than you may realize. Estimates about traffic safety demonstrate that while three percent of drivers intentionally bump other cars, about 33 percent use rude gestures behind the wheel.

Aggressive driving is typically considered to be an action a driver engages in without thinking about safety. An aggressive driver might tailgate or cut off another vehicle in traffic without using a turn signal. Keeping a vehicle from passing, failing to stop at a traffic signal and speeding are also forms of aggressive driving. It is estimated that 51 percent of drivers intentionally tailgate another car, while 24 percent attempt to keep cars from merging into a different lane.

When you encounter aggressive drivers on the road, there a few things you can do to ensure your own driving is not affected. You should usually refrain making gestures and honking your horn in long blasts, as well as follow all traffic laws. It is important to remember that you should not drive irresponsibly because of another driver’s maneuvers.

This information is general in nature. It should not be used in place of legal advice.