Aggressive driving and road rage have grown over the years as a major problem on American roadways. As more traffic increases over the years around booming cities, many drivers do not appropriately handle themselves when faced with tough traffic situations. In particular, many drivers seethe over the long waiting times or occasional outbursts of dangerous driving maneuvers. Some of these drivers may eventually become emotionally compromised, becoming dangerous drivers themselves.

According to the United States Department of Transportation, some form of road rage or aggressive driving tactics may contribute to up to 50 percent of all accidents. Reported in the Washington Beltway Study, these figures illustrate the widespread nature of the problem. Additional studies have shown that these figures have only grown over the years, showing a steady rate of a 7 percent increase in aggressive driving crashes each year.

By the numbers, the Mizell Report shows the seriousness of the problem over the past 20 years. In particular, the study counted the number of road rage-related incidents between 1990 and 1996. Aggressive behaviors on the roads contributed to 10,037 crashes in total. 12,610 people were injured because of these crashes, and 218 succumbed to fatal injuries. The study also tracked the circumstances and location of these crashes. Although many were tied to urban areas and traffic congestion, a significant number were not.

Many Americans consider this problem among the most destructive on the road. In part, this is because there is little drivers or authorities can do to reduce the possibility of a road rage outburst. According to a Gallup poll, popular perception of road rage ranks these incidents as more worrisome than drunk driving by 7 percent.

If you have been injured on the road because of a reckless or angered driver, there may be legal options available for you. To learn more, contact the Madison car accident attorneys of Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C., today.