Road Rage

Alan Ferguson's "Road Rage," printed in the textbook, discusses the phenomenon of anger and its danger on American highways. He notes that road rage is increasing throughout the country. Ferguson writes, "And no wonder. Incidents of 'road rage' were up 57% in the first half of the decade, according to a report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety" (Ferguson 553). He also notes that road rage can be dangerous to others, and many aggressive drivers do not see themselves as aggressive or "bad" drivers.

Ferguson discusses several specific cases of aggressive drivers, including "Anne" who drives dangerously with her family, ignoring stop signs and intimidating other drivers by flashing her headlights (Ferguson 554), and Ron, a salesman who felt other drivers just got in his way during his sales calls. Ferguson also notes that about 80% of drivers are angry all the time they are in their cars (Ferguson 554), usually because of traffic jams and other highway impediments.

Ferguson and researchers believe the problem exists because there are more drivers on the road today than ever before, and they are more varied, both culturally and emotionally, and there are fewer drivers' education classes to train young drivers. He also notes that for most people, driving is a singular pursuit, and that people act differently inside their car, doing things they would never do in other situations. There is also a feeling of power and control in driving, especially driving large SUVs that are so popular today.

Ferguson talks to experts who believe that the bad road rage behavior can be corrected, and that education should start very early, before children pick up the bad habits of their parents and other adults. Finally, he believes road rage may simply be a part of American culture, and that one thing may help in the world or road rage: praying.

References

Ferguson, Alan. "Road Rage." 553-556.