Aggressive driving can be a problem at any time of the year – but it gets worse during the winter holiday season. According to data collected by the Gas Buddy app, there’s a 48% surge in aggressive driving at this time of the year – although it can vary a bit by your location.
What is it about the festive season that makes drivers so inclined to slam on their brakes, gun their engines or speed (among other things)?
1. Congested traffic
From anxious shoppers to holiday travelers, there are a lot more people out there on the roads at this time of the year, and those crowded roads and packed parking lots can make drivers lose their patience.
2. Time pressures
Last-minute shopping, holiday events and ordinary errands can put a lot of pressure on people to get wherever they need to go as fast as possible. That can lead drivers to speed, run red lights, ignore traffic rules and tailgate slower drivers.
3. Holiday stress
Not everybody out there is having a happy holiday season, and that can lead to emotional reactions behind the wheel. A driver dealing with personal frustrations can react aggressively to minor inconveniences or other drivers who make small mistakes.
4. Impaired driving
There are a lot of holiday gatherings that involve alcohol, and impaired drivers can be prone to poor decision-making. Even when they’re not over the legal limit, a driver who has some alcohol may have reduced inhibitions and take more risks.
Staying patient and practicing additional courtesy on the road can help you avoid problems – but there’s no guarantee that you won’t encounter an aggressive driver. If you’re involved in a wreck this holiday season, make sure you find out how to get fair compensation for your losses.
