80% of U.S. drivers admit to having road rage, study says

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — If you think you’re the only person who gets angry behind the wheel, according to a recent AAA study, you’re not alone.

The study revealed 8 out of 10 Americans admitted to having road rage at least once in the past year.Visitor Kylie Stein said she was only downtown for a few minutes when she witnessed a road rage incident.

“There were two cars and they stopped, and the guy in front started screaming, ‘stop tailgating me,’ and just stopped, holding up traffic,” Stein said.

Wilmington Police Officer Kevin Getman said it’s common in the Cape Fear.

“At least a few times a week you’re gonna get a radio call, you know, potential road rage,” Getman said.

From following too closely, to yelling and making angry gestures, the study estimates 8 million people participated in this type of behavior. Getman said it’s hard to determine why it’s such a problem.

“Some people say it’s just a mixed population from military, to college kids to retired, and some people say it has to do with the infrastructure,” he said.

The study also found that 8 million drivers admitted to extreme road rage, like ramming other cars or getting out of the car to confront another driver.

Tatyana Melvin admits it can be hard to remain calm around bad drivers.

“They don’t have concern for other drivers, they’re just turning in and out and cutting people off, not using their turning signal, ” Melvin said. “They’re just completely reckless.”

If you do find yourself in the middle of a road rage incident, Corporal Getman says to drive away and never get out of the car. Chip Snyder works near a congested street downtown.

He said more people just need to learn to let it go.

“Let’s just take some time and role with it. Nothing’s going to happen any faster,” Snyder said.