Not everyone on the road this time around of year is interested in spreading holiday cheer.
A new study by smartphone app GasBuddy says, individual's driving routine is 175 percent more aggressive during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year. Based on the study, Florida ranks 6 for states with the worst holiday drivers.
Their data also says aggressive driving habits occur most during the start of the season, with more instances happening throughout the drive towards the holiday destination, rather than on the return trip.
“People they are under lots of stress throughout the holidays and have a tendency to get rid of their patience while driving,” says Ellsworth Buck, V . p . of Insurance, Florida's leading independent car insurance agency.
Aggressive driving is recognized as, hard breaking, speeding and quick accelerating.
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous year. They also report, over 1 / 2 of fatal crashes involved at least one driver who performed a hostile action.
AAA recommends drivers, “Manage what you do, manage your responses.” Don't let yourself be personally offended when you see other drivers doing something illegal or inconsiderate. Many drivers this time around of the year are rushed or distracted, so try and be forgiving. Also, do not respond or get in touch with a hostile driver searching for a confrontation.
Additionally, AAA reminds drivers, to stay calm and courteous while driving, it lowers your chance of a dicey encounter with another driver.
Their tips for dealing with hostility on the road:
- Avoid eye contact with angry drivers.
- Don't react to aggression with aggression.
- If you feel you are at risk, drive to some public place like a police station, hospital or fire station.
- When you park, allow room so you can pull out safely if a person approaches you aggressively.
- Use your horn to attract attention but remain in your locked vehicle.
- If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.
- If you are feeling threatened, call 911.
“Florida does not require motorist to hold bodily injury coverage. So, if you're hurt by an aggressive driver who does not carry that coverage, you are responsible for the cost of your medical expenses,” reminds Buck with Insurance.
Make sure you are properly covered using your car insurance policy or health insurance plan, call Insurance today.
