How does road rage impact your car insurance?

Have you ever felt your blood pressure rise while driving in traffic? Do you ever find yourself tailgating other drivers or honking your horn excessively? If so, you may be exhibiting signs of road rage, a dangerous driving behavior that could impact your car insurance rates.

What is Road Rage?

Road rage is a term used to describe aggressive or hostile behavior exhibited by drivers on the road. It can take many forms, including tailgating, cutting off other drivers, using obscene gestures or language, and even physical assault.

When you engage in road rage, you are not only putting yourself and others in danger, but you could also be affecting your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine your rates, and your driving history is one of the most significant.

Road Rage Statistics

1. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and speeding, are a factor in up to 56% of fatal car crashes in the United States. (Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
2. A survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving behaviors, such as road rage. (Source: NHTSA)
3. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that more than 80% of drivers in the United States have expressed significant anger or aggression while driving in the past year. (Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
4. A survey by the Insurance Information Institute (III) found that 57% of drivers in the United States admit to tailgating and 47% admit to yelling at other drivers. (Source: III)
5. A study by the Auto Insurance Center found that the states with the highest rates of road rage incidents are Hawaii, California, New York, and Nevada. (Source: Auto Insurance Center)
6. According to a survey by the National Safety Council (NSC), 50% of drivers in the United States admit to driving aggressively in response to other drivers’ aggressive behavior. (Source: NSC)
7. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that men are more likely than women to engage in aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and speeding. (Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
8. The NHTSA reports that more than 1,500 people are injured or killed each year in the United States as a result of road rage incidents. (Source: NHTSA)
9. A survey by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that 80% of drivers in the United States believe that aggressive driving is a serious threat to their safety. (Source: AAA)
10. The Auto Insurance Center found that 37% of road rage incidents involve a firearm. (Source: Auto Insurance Center)

Source Data:

1. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “Prevalence of Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Aggressive Driving: United States, 2011-2015,” https://aaafoundation.org/prevalence-motor-vehicle-crashes-involving-aggressive-driving-united-states-2011-2015/
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Aggressive Driving,” https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/aggressive-driving
3. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “2014 Traffic Safety Culture Index,” https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2014-TSCI-Report.pdf
4. Insurance Information Institute, “Aggressive Driving and Road Rage,” https://www.iii.org/article/aggressive-driving-and-road-rage
5. Auto Insurance Center, “States with the Most and Least Road Rage,” https://www.autoinsurancecenter.com/states-with-the-most-and-least-road-rage.htm
6. National Safety Council, “Aggressive Driving,” https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/aggressive-driving
7. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “Gender Differences in Aggressive Driving Behavior,” https://aaafoundation.org/gender-differences-aggressive-driving-behavior/
8. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Road Rage and Aggressive Driving,” https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/road-rage-and-aggressive-driving
9. American Automobile Association, “2019 Traffic Safety Culture Index,” https://www.aaafoundation.org/2019-traffic-safety-culture-index
10. Auto Insurance Center, “The Dangers of Road Rage and Aggressive Driving,” https://www.autoinsurancecenter.com/the-dangers-of-road-rage-and-aggressive-driving.htm

These statistics highlight the prevalence and seriousness of road rage and aggressive driving behaviors in the United States, and the impact they can have on driver safety and car insurance rates.

Your car insurance premiums could go up significantly

If you have a history of road rage incidents, your car insurance premiums could increase significantly. Insurance companies consider aggressive driving behaviors to be a sign of risky driving habits, which can lead to accidents and claims.

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Accidents involving road rage can also cause your rates to go up

In addition, if you are involved in an accident that is caused by road rage, you could be held liable for damages and injuries sustained by other drivers or passengers. This could result in increased insurance costs or even the cancellation of your policy.

Road Rage could negatively impact your driving record

Moreover, if you are convicted of a road rage-related offense, such as reckless driving or assault, it may be reflected in your driving record. This could result in increased insurance premiums or the denial of coverage altogether.

The impact of road rage on your car insurance rates may not be immediately apparent, but over time, the costs can add up. Even if you do not have a history of road rage incidents, it’s important to remember that engaging in aggressive driving behaviors puts you and others in danger and could impact your insurance rates in the future.

How to avoid road rage

To avoid road rage, it’s essential to remain calm and focused while driving. Take deep breaths, listen to calming music or audiobooks, and try to avoid engaging with other drivers who may be exhibiting aggressive behavior.

Road Rage can negatively impact your car insurance rates

In conclusion, road rage is a serious issue that can impact your car insurance rates, driving record, and overall safety on the road. To avoid the negative consequences of road rage, it’s important to practice safe and courteous driving habits and to seek professional help if you find yourself struggling with anger or aggression behind the wheel. Remember, arriving safely at your destination is much more important than arriving there quickly.