If you drive often, it's likely you've encountered a persistent tailgater or found yourself on the receiving end of an offensive gesture on the road. The latest statistics from experts show you're not alone.
A new study looked at the most confrontational drivers on the road and found Washington drivers rank No. 9 for worst road rage nationwide.
“Last year (2021), it was the worst year for road rage shootings so that fact prompted our team at Forbes Advisor to investigate this," said Mark LoCastro, head of PR & Comms with Forbes Advisor.
Researchers at Forbes Advisor surveyed 5,000 drivers across the country on their experience with road rage. Forms of rage listed include frustrated honking, being cut off, physical confrontation or even gun violence!
The Washington State Patrol says there've been 41 shootings on King County roads this year; All incidents cannot be attributed to road rage, they confirmed some have been a result of gang violence. Still, the statistics are alarming for them.
“When you become involved with an aggressive driver or drive aggressively yourself, you don't know if that other person has a weapon or what they're going to do,” said WSP Trooper Rick Johnson.
Just this past July, WSP investigated two separate road rage shootings that both occurred in 24 hours!
In the same month, Seattle police say a 68-year-old man was fatally shot in the SoDo neighborhood; an incident that started after two motorists had a roadway confrontation.
The survey shows 46% of Washington drivers reported another driver has insulted or threatened them. Twelve percent say another driver has damaged their car on purpose!
“First of all, drive courteously. Use your signal. We've all cut somebody off–including me–I mean always wave and say sorry. “You don't know what the capability of that other driver is,” said Johnson.
Experts from Forbes Advisor say road rage is not only dangerous but can also impact car insurance rates.
"That's if you end up getting a ticket for it, or if you have caused an accident. So you have to be careful on the road," LoCastro said.
The study found Utah tops the list of states with the most confrontational drivers. 1 in 4 residents there said they know someone in their state who was injured in a road rage incident.
LoCastro also added some survey respondents said they acted in road rage because of heavy traffic, being stressed, or running late.
WSP says driving aggressively or exhibiting road rage can lead to fines or even criminal charges in some cases. If you witness aggressive driving, state patrol encourages you to report it.