Speeders, aggressive drivers forced to attend road rage classes



Speeders, aggressive drivers forced to attend road rage classes August 22, 2004

In the past decade, experts have identified what some see as a national epidemic of road rage. Some states have rewritten their motor vehicle laws to add a specific "aggressive driving" charge. Moreover, experts say, not all road rage incidents are reported. A 2002 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 34 percent of drivers surveyed said they felt threatened by the behavior of other drivers. "Everyone knows that with increased congestion on the roadways, tempers seem to flare," "It's being brought to the forefront." A Road Rage, began four years ago in Haverhill District Court, where more than 300 people charged with aggressive driving have gone through the program.

Two years ago, Newburyport District Court started offering the program, resulting in 477 additional participants. Only about 2 percent of those who have taken the Haverhill class have since been convicted of other driving offenses. In Newburyport, the recidivism rate was slightly higher. "You can't change someone's behavior in a day," "But if you can give someone something to think about when they're driving, maybe it will change the way they drive."

After reviewing this story you are probably saying that is not me and I am not that bad, but what most people fail to realize is a short time before these people were involved in this act of anger uncontrolled they felt the same way you do. The truth be told if you do not do something about your anger problems you could be the next person to get out of control"