RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - When you hear stories about road rage incidents involving one motorist harming another over a petty traffic infraction, your first thought may lead you to believe the suspect likely had a criminal past, but that’s not always the case… That was Rutherford County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Rodgers. 

Because an overreaction of emotion is commonplace today, tapping your car horn may not be received as a delicate reminder that the traffic light turned from red to green…

When discussing the dangers of road rage with younger drivers, your message to them may be better received by giving ideas instead of orders. The Sergeant says finding peace in your drive makes more sense than being hyper focused on arriving quickly. He tells his adult daughter she always has a choice in her driving habits…

Rodgers suggested that some drivers should aim to create a paradigm shift in their way of thinking. This can be done by looking at a situation or actions of others with an open mind, instead of assuming the actions of others are done out of anger or malice… 

According to AAA, the Auto Club, 32% of drivers admitted to making rude gestures or honking their horn at other motorists in the past 30-days. Another bad driving habit that often occurs out of anger involves speeding up when another driver tries to pass. Within the last 30-days, 25% of drivers say they have done just that, sped up when someone tried to overtake them. 

AAA says avoiding eye contact with an angered driver is a good way to avoid a confrontation. The auto club further reports it’s best to remain calm when behind the wheel, and to be courteous if you want to reduce your chance of having an unpleasant encounter.