MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – From speeding to tailgating, new research by AAA finds that frustration behind the wheel is contagious, and it has led to several high-profile, violent incidents of road rage in our region.
Driving is something many of us do daily. For Keith Meyer and his wife, who are visiting from Nebraska, traveling is a passion.
“We set a goal a few years ago that we were going to ride our bikes in every state — and we’re doing the New England states — and that will make 49 when we get these done,” Meyer said. During all those travels, he’s seen his fair share of road rage. “They want to get right on your tailgate, and I’m concerned with myself, but others as well.”
The Vermont State Police say troopers out of the Williston Barracks alone have fielded 340 calls of possible road rage. “Most road rage incidents that we’re getting complaints on are people following too closely, break-checking each other, flashing their lights,” said VSP Lt. Michael Filipek.
A study last month by AAA on Aggressive Driving and Road Rage found that 96% of drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors in the last year. Since the last study in 2016, the report says that while tailgating and yelling at other drivers is down, cutting off other vehicles is up 67%, and honking out of anger is up 47%.
“There’s a lot of societal pressure and anxiety and stresses out there, and I think that’s causing folks to take it out on the road,” said AAA’s Dan Goodman.
Authorities say that kind of anger behind the wheel led to a least two recent incidents. In August, police say Aaron Williams tailgated, passed, and later brake-checked Ronnie Bushway. After the cars made contact, the two got out and Williams allegedly punched Bushway and gouged his eyes.
And Justin French and Kayla Cabey of Bradford were arrested Tuesday on attempted murder charges following a road rage incident in Ryegate on September 20 that resulted in shots being fired.
AAA recommends that before taking your next trip, to think about these tips in case you encounter somebody driving too aggressively. They say to breathe before you react, avoid eye contact, and don’t take the bait. “Don’t react, don’t take it personally. Just go about your way, get to your location, get to your work, get to your home safely. We want you to get there safely, and so do you,” Goodman said.
Nebraskan Keith Meyer agrees. “If I’m by myself, I sing the song that says let it go, let it go, let it go,” he said.
“I used to get frustrated. Now, I just put my blinker on, pull over, and let them go by. I get more patient as I get older,” said Jeffery Davis of Underhill Center.
Troopers also urge you to be a good witness, including safely noting the license plate and reporting the incident in a timely fashion. They say if you ever find yourself in an unsafe situation with an aggressive driver, call 911.
