Once the subject of humor, aggressive driving accounts for 56 percent of driver fatalities according to AAA. We need to take road rage seriously. It’s not just a problem in other places – as you’re probably aware, Madison, too, has its own incidences of road rage.
This incident report from yesterday demonstrates just how dangerous road rage has become in Madison:
A red light at the intersection of Highway 51 and Kinsman Boulevard caused both drivers to stop. The driver who had initiated the tailgating took the opportunity to exit his car and approach the other driver. Although he locked his doors, the still seated driver rolled down his window as the other man approached. Given the opening, the man reached inside the other man's car and grabbed the driver around the neck. In response the man allowed his car to roll forward causing the other man to let go of his grip. As he let go, the man threatened to break off the other man's finger.And that’s just the end of the incident. The lead-up to that point included “at least eight provocative acts committed by both parties” according to Madison police.
What are some things we can do to make road rage less prevalent in Madison and elsewhere? First, you should look at your own actions. Does your driving seem a bit aggressive? Always drive with others’ safety in mind, whether that’s your passengers’ safety or the safety of other drivers on the road.
You can’t always control the emotions of others, however. So what should you do when you encounter other aggressive drivers? The City of Madison Police Department suggests you “should look for opportunities to deescalate” the situation and “disengage.” In other words: do what you can to get away from aggressive drivers. And if you can, grab their license plate number and report extremely aggressive behavior to the police.
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