November 25, 2024

It is no surprise to most that 80 percent of drivers in America admit to experiencing significant anger, aggression or road rage at least once in the past year*. Aggressive driving can be blamed for 66 percent of traffic fatalities, and road rage has been responsible for about 300 deaths since 2013, according to the National Highway and Transportation Administration (NHTSA).

“As the holiday season kicks off this week, people are traveling more and have higher levels of stress,” said Arkansas State Police (ASP) Col. Mike Hagar. “Please help us keep the roads safe by keeping tempers under control. And try to remember what we tell our children as they learn to drive – courtesy is contagious.”

ASP has reported an increase in road rage and aggressive driving incidents over the past year, with expectations for more during the holiday travel season.

So far in 2024, 708 road rage cases have been reported to ASP, with more than 300 of those cases involving weapons.  In 2023, ASP investigated 284 road rage with weapon incidents. So far this year, ASP has arrested 18 individuals, citing Road Rage with Weapon. Another 4 were charged with Road Rage without a weapon.

Heavy traffic, hectic schedules and holiday tension would be a dangerous combination.

“The Thanksgiving holiday season is one of the most traveled holidays. We expect heavy traffic this week through the Thanksgiving weekend,” Col Hagar said. “We want everyone to make it to their destination safely. State Troopers and local law enforcement will be working overtime to ensure our roadways are as safe as possible.”

According to AAA, 80 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving, exceeding pre-pandemic holiday travel levels. Over 7 million travelers are in the Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas regions, most traveling by car.  

“Troopers will not tolerate aggressive driving or road rage,” Hagar said. “Road rage is a lose/lose situation that could cost you your life.”

ASP reminds you that if you encounter an aggressive driver, keep these tips in mind:
• Avoid engaging other drivers, even if they have done something to make you angry, or you have made them angry.
• Put as much distance between you and the other driver as possible.
• Try not to make eye contact with them.
• Never, ever pull off the roadway to confront them. They could have weapons.
• Avoid creating a competitive situation with another driver, even if he is at fault.
• Try not to take another person’s aggressive driving personally.
• If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky driving, safely steer your vehicle out of the way.
• Call law enforcement if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you.

Hagar urged motorists not to hesitate to call authorities if they witness road rage. If  you’re a victim of road rage or aggressive driving that puts you or other motorists at risk, please follow through and make a report. Call 911 or, in non-emergency incidents, call *ASP (*277), to be connected to your local Troop Headquarters.

“Please help us keep the roads safe this holiday season by exercising good judgement and giving other drivers the benefit of the doubt,” Hagar said. “As always, buckle up, allow extra travel time, and obey all traffic laws.”

*AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety