Road rage<\/a> and violent incidents are on the rise nationwide. The number of people injured in road rage shootings alone increased 135% from 2018 to 2022, Forbes reported.<\/p>\n This phenomenon happens most often on city streets, followed by highways.<\/p>\n The top five states with the most confrontational drivers were:<\/p>\n The states with the least confrontational drivers were:<\/p>\n Texting<\/a> or being distracted while driving<\/a> seems to be a major factor in inciting rage. Seeing a distracted driver who mistakenly cuts you off or otherwise drives recklessly may lead to rage aimed at the irresponsible driver. Rather than engaging with them, it is safer and more effective to avoid them, or even better, pull over and call the authorities.<\/p>\n Among the drivers that Forbes surveyed, the top reasons cited for feeling road rage include:<\/p>\n Common locations where people experience confrontational driving include:<\/p>\n According to data collected, things can escalate quickly when someone loses their temper on the road. Per the Gun Violence Archive<\/a>, road rage-related shootings doubled from 2018 to 2022. In 2018, the U.S. experienced 70 road rage-related shooting deaths, which doubled to 141 in 2022.<\/p>\n We see the same surge in numbers with gun-related injuries<\/a> on the road. In 2018, there were at least 176 road rage-related injuries involving guns, but by 2022, it jumped to 413 people. The AutoVantage Club reports that 37% of road rage incidents involve a firearm.<\/p>\n As anyone can assume, there is a high correlation between road rage and auto accidents<\/a>. When a driver develops tunnel vision toward retaliation, whether to pass a vehicle or deliver a stern message, safety becomes secondary.<\/p>\n It should be noted that it\u2019s very difficult to get an accurate number of how many accidents can be attributed to road rage. This factor is often underreported, whether to first responders, or underreported when police and other first responders submit their own reports.<\/p>\n According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving is the culprit behind 66% of traffic fatalities<\/a>. SafeMotorist estimates that at least 1,800 car accidents and injuries can be attributed to road rage incidents every year.<\/p>\n A driver\u2019s chances of getting hurt on the road becomes much higher if they respond to the aggression. And according to the AutoVantage Club, about 50% of drivers do just that \u2013 they engage with the aggressive driver.<\/p>\n Road rage can exact more than a mental toll. If an incident involves property damage, drivers should know that the national average car insurance<\/a> rate will increase by 45%. The average rises to 47% if the incident includes bodily injury, per a Forbes advisor analysis. And this does not take into account any potential punitive or criminal damages<\/a> associated with road rage.<\/p>\n Where you live in the U.S. makes a difference with the premium changes as well. The fluctuations by state can be staggering. California drivers see the biggest rate increases (97%) come renewal time, while Wyoming drivers can expect an average 31% increase.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve caused the accident, you will have better luck with insurance companies that are forgiving of driving records with recent incidents. Insurance carriers each assess risk differently, so comparing prices is vital to securing the best rates.<\/p>\n If you find yourself frustrated behind the wheel, or being provoked by another driver, engaging with them isn\u2019t worth the safety risk. Not to mention that road rage can carry criminal charges.<\/p>\n If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road, do not provoke them, communicate with them, or sustain eye contact. Drive at the speed limit with plenty of space around you. If you are being followed or tailgated, and feel afraid to park and exit your car at its destination, call 911. And if you are in close proximity to a police station, pulling into their headquarters is an easy way to get the aggressor to speed off.<\/p>\n Hackensack Meridian Health<\/a> created a list of tips to help drivers reduce road rage. They are as follows:<\/p>\n Here are some preventative measures to lower your chances of feeling aggressive while behind the wheel:<\/p>\n If you or a loved one have been injured in a road rage incident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced car accident attorneys at Allen & Allen are here to help. For a free case evaluation, call 866-388-1307<\/a> today.<\/p>\n![\"Virginia\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.allenandallen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Virginias-Road-Rage.png\")
<\/p>\nVirginia road rage, by the numbers<\/h2>\n
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How did the other states rate for road rage incidents?<\/h2>\n
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![\"states](\"https:\/\/www.allenandallen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/states-with-the-most-confrontational-drivers.png\")
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Top reported reasons for road rage<\/h2>\n
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Where do drivers experience road rage the most?<\/h2>\n
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Road rage and guns<\/h2>\n
![\"Road](\"https:\/\/www.allenandallen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Road-Rage-Shootings-Deaths-and-Injuries.png\")
<\/p>\nRoad rage and auto collisions<\/h2>\n
How confrontational driving affects auto insurance<\/h2>\n
![\"confrontational](\"https:\/\/www.allenandallen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Confrontational-driving.png\")
<\/p>\nHow to stay calm in stressful driving situations<\/h2>\n
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