Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Who's more aggressive when driving, men or women? The AAA Foundation says in a study men edge out women in that type of behavior.
The survey finds that women also admit to some dangerous driving habits, such as running red lights. Overall, younger male and female drivers tend to be more aggressive than older drivers.
"While everyone is likely to speed, men are more apt to cut someone off or make a rude gesture toward another driver," says Elizabeth Carey of AAA of WCNY.
The survey finds 52 percent of men and 44 percent of women speed more than 15 mph on a highway, 38 percent of men follow the car in front of them to block someone else from merging compared to 29 percent of women. 35 percent of men admitted to making a rude gesture to another driver, while 28 percent of women did the same.
Carey notes COVID is adding to the stress of the holiday season. "People have to remember to take their time, and not to lose their temper behind the wheel because it can lead to a dangerous situation," says Carey. "It has led fights, people being injured or killed, so this can really escalate. If someone's leaving the mall and you're waiting for a parking space, be patient with them, let them take off their masks and put on hand sanitizer. There's no sense in beeping your horn and losing your temper."
Carey notes another cause of road rage. "People are distracted, whether they're drinking their coffee or on their phone while they're trying to drive their vehicle and they're holding up traffic," explains Carey. "People get annoyed and frustrated and they want to cut around that person. That can lead to someone giving the universal middle finger or beeping the horn. We've even seen people get out of their car at a red light and fight. We don't want to see that happen."
Assistant Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Gould says he does see more aggressive driving behavior this time of year, especially near the Walden Galleria. "Thankfully, it's not that common an issue where we're dealing with it all day, every day," says Gould.
Gould says he's seen aggressive driving behaviors over the years. "Things such as merging into other traffic or intersections and trying to beat red lights definitely put other drivers on the road at risk," adds Gould.
Gould says he doesn't have to believe the data in the survey, since it is self-reported.
When it comes to one type of aggressive driving, Gould says speeding isn't worth it, and not just because of the financial sting of a ticket. "It's proven driving faster doesn't get you anywhere quicker. You're just putting yourself and others at risk," explains Gould.
AAA offers these tips to help drivers manage aggressive driving scenarios:
• Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
• Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
• Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle, and contact 9-1-1 if needed.
The Link LonkDecember 05, 2020 at 06:47AM
https://www.radio.com/wben/news/local/aaa-men-more-aggressive-behind-the-wheel
AAA: Men more aggressive behind the wheel - RADIO.COM
https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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