The summer months bring the season of travel. Families and friends plan road trips and vacations alike. And the more vacations planned, the more vehicles take to Pennsylvania roads.
However, the increased number of drivers on the road also increases the chance of traffic accidents. And many of those accidents—especially in the summer—are the result of aggressive driving.
Why does aggressive driving seem to increase in the summer?
According to a report from the Association for Psychological Science, many studies indicate the strong correlation between warmer weather and higher tempers on the road. In hot weather, drivers are more likely to:
- Speed excessively
- Pass slow drivers improperly
- Fail to use turn signals
- Disregard other traffic signals
- Be irritable toward other drivers
Since warmer weather eliminates many obstacles on Pennsylvania roads, such as ice and snow, drivers tend to be more reckless.
Report says summer construction projects also contribute to aggressive driving
Many Pennsylvanians complain that the summer months also bring road construction. It can lead to long detours and increase commute times. It is common to feel frustrated or irritated by construction, as well as how other drivers act in construction zones.
KDKA News reports that merging into construction zones can increase the chances of aggressive driving and road rage. Drivers might wait until the last minute to merge, causing other drivers to grow annoyed. These situations are frequent, and they often only serve to spark more incidents of road rage.
What can you do to prevent an aggressive driving accident?
Aggressive drivers are often easy to spot. They usually speed, weave through traffic and make rude hand gestures to other drivers as they do so. This reckless behavior puts everyone on the road at risk of a severe accident. However, individual drivers can work to prevent an accident by:
- Driving defensively
- Following all traffic laws
- Never engaging an aggressive driver
If an aggressive driver does cause an accident, it is critical to:
- Obtain medical attention. Even if injuries do not seem severe, it is important for individuals to check themselves for injuries and see a medical professional as soon as possible after the accident.
- Avoid arguing with the aggressive driver. It is tempting to argue, especially when the aggressive driver was at fault for the accident. However, arguing with an aggressive driver could escalate the situation into an extreme and violent road rage incident. Only exchange insurance and contact information.
Aggressive drivers might put others at risk on Pennsylvania roads, but responsible drivers can help reduce that risk by driving safely and avoiding interactions with aggressive drivers.