According to a national automobile club, almost eighty percent of American drivers admit to having angry driving tendencies at one time or another. It’s particularly shocking to discover this from the report: Nearly eight million car drivers say they exhibited some form of road rage. This included crashing into another car on purpose and getting out of a vehicle to confront another driver in a threatening manner.

How would you rate yourself on the above?

Review the list below that characterizes aggressive driving and check off any items that define your own driving habits.

Do any of the following describe your actions while driving a vehicle?

• Tailgated another car or truck on purpose?
• Have you driven significantly above the legal speed limit?
• Have you run a red or amber light?
• Have you slipped in and out of cars and traffic?
• Raised your voice and yelled at another driver?
• Have you honked and honked your horn to show your anger at another motorist?
• Have you shown your frustration and anger through hand gestures?
• Have you tried to stop another driver from changing lanes?
• Have you deliberately cut off another driver?

We all get angry at one time or another. This is because we are all human and humans by design are not perfect. However, uncontrolled anger can be a very dangerous emotion, leading to actions that are later regretted.

Of course, when anger is evident while driving, the danger is much greater. It can lead to hostile actions that intimidate, harass or incite others along the way and result in physical loss and damage, as well as injuries and the tragic loss of life. For the aggressive driver who thinks auto insurance can get him out of liability, this is often far from the truth.

In fact, insurance providers bear no responsibility for motorists who deliberately use dangerous or illegal driving modes.

As one insurance professional so aptly put it, “Don’t expect your auto insurance coverage to come to your defense if you drive aggressively. Drive irresponsibly, you’ll face all criminal and tax penalties on your own.”

The same auto club that conducted the aforementioned study concludes with some sage advice.

1. Never provoke another motorist into retaliation by forcing them to change speed or direction.

2. Be tolerant of other drivers and don’t get angry at the actions of other drivers.

3. If another driver shows anger on the road, do not respond with eye contact or gestures. Try to keep a safe distance and if you think his safety may be compromised, contact the police.