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Los Angeles has record high road rage incidents

Dec 15, 2022 | Violent Crimes

Road rage incidents are in the news more often every day. In Los Angeles, the county recently reached a record high of these incidents.

While road rage may be an accident, violent behavior is often the result. According to CBS News, 459 road rage incidents occurred in a six-month period, which is more than 30% higher than the previous year.

What is road rage?

Road rage is assault with a deadly weapon while driving, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. During the six-month period studied, 136 of the road rage incidents reported involved a firearm.

How to avoid road rage

DefensiveDriving.org provides some tips to help drivers avoid and escape aggressive driving. As many of these incidents move into assault and even death, controlling emotion while driving becomes more important.

Some polite driving habits anyone on the road can use to decrease road rage incidents include the following:

  • Do not cut off other vehicles
  • Avoid tailgating
  • Do not speed or weave through traffic
  • Leave the left lane when driving slowly
  • Merge politely

Do not use the horn unless necessary, slow down and when all else fails, simply avoid aggressive drivers. Yelling at other drivers or making rude gestures escalates a situation from a minor incident to something violent.

Those who struggle with road rage should not drive while they are in distress. When drowsy, upset or angry, change plans and drive when emotions are calmer.

Drivers should also give themselves enough time to get to their destination without speeding or pushing through traffic.

Call for help when needed

Anyone who fears a road rage incident or feels they are on the verge of getting angry while driving should call emergency services or pull over and take a break to calm down before driving again.

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