Officials say last year was the deadliest for drivers on Corpus Christi highways, and data suggests aggressive driving is a major factor.
As we’ve reported, police in Corpus Christi noted road rage as a likely cause behind an overnight shooting that sent one woman to a hospital. But road rage incidents, typically involving aggressive drivers, are a problem nationwide; leaving the question: what can you do to stay safe on the roads?
We took that question to Corpus Christi police, who said they’d seen enough of aggressive driving in the area.
"I think we all have seen those aggressive drivers on the roadways, where they’re going in and out of traffic, and making dangerous maneuvers, and that’s what we’re trying to focus on," explained Commander Bill Breed with Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 66 percent of highway deaths are caused by aggressive driving. Meanwhile, 37 percent of road rage incidents involve a firearm.
In situations where tensions are running high, police advise that it’s best to keep a cool head.
"Don’t become emotionally involved," said Breed. "Often times, people are not trying purposely to do something."
If you find yourself involved with an aggressive driver, the first step is to follow traffic laws. Police say if something does happen:
- Stay calm
- Don’t make eye contact with the other driver
- And most importantly, don’t retaliate.
Once aggressive driving turns to road rage, police say it’s often too late. However, that shouldn’t stop you from trying to defuse the situation.
"If you do end up in a situation where you come face to face with them, apologize. You don’t have any tie to this person, there’s no reason to become emotionally involved," Breed added.
