Exercising Civility on the Road: A Call to Transform our Driving Culture

In a society where civility is vital in shaping our interactions, one setting that needs a significant injection of courtesy is our behavior behind the wheel. As Realtors® who typically clock tens of thousands of miles each year, this holds particularly true. However, the call for composure and respectful driving isn’t limited to real estate professionals. It’s an issue that resonates with all drivers.

Utah recently earned an undesirable distinction as the “Road Rage Capital” of the United States, according to a Forbes magazine article. Scoring a perfect 100 out of 100 on the road rage index, Utah has unfortunately positioned itself as the state with the most confrontational drivers.

Managing Editor

Dave Anderton

Publisher Mills Publishing, Inc. www.millspub.com

President

Dan Miller

Art Director

Jackie Medina

Graphic Design

Ken Magleby

Patrick Witmer

Office Administrator

Cynthia Bell Snow

Recent events have underscored this bitter truth. Just this month, a road rage incident led to two men allegedly firing at a semitruck driver, followed by a crash into another vehicle while trying to evade the police. In June, a Salt Lake County couple tragically lost their lives in a vintage Porsche in Eagle Mountain due to a road rage altercation involving two other vehicles. Going back to 2021, a Bountiful man was arrested for allegedly running over and dragging a man about 50 feet after a road rage incident in Centerville.

As Utah County Sheriff Sgt. Spencer Cannon pointedly remarked in a KSL News interview, “This is not a contest. This is not a war, but people turn it into that.”

Sales Staff

Paula Bell

Dan Miller

Road rage, as studies have shown, is often fueled by crowded roads, intensifying anger behind the wheel. It’s noted that young males are the most likely demographic to indulge in road rage. According to an AAA study, psychological factors such as displaced anger and high life stress contribute to this. It was also found that individuals prone to road rage are more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs.

A Colorado psychologist’s findings corroborated these insights, suggesting that “high-anger drivers” often exceed speed limits by 10 to 20 mph, recklessly switch lanes, tailgate, and enter intersections as the traffic light turns red.

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However, all is not lost. The antidote to road rage lies in fostering patience and respect on our roads. Slowing down, letting aggressive drivers pass, avoiding reciprocation of honks or gestures, and effectively de-escalating any potential conflict can help reduce road rage incidents.

The repercussions of road rage extend beyond immediate altercations. They can lead to citations, high fines, or even imprisonment, causing irreversible changes to a person’s life. As we reflect on this, the question emerges – is it truly worth it? The answer is unequivocally no.

Improving our road behavior requires us to exercise more understanding, kindness, and patience when behind the wheel. A single step in the right direction can help transform our driving culture, making the roads safer and more congenial for everyone. So, let’s start today – drive with courtesy, value every life, and promote a culture of civility on the road.

Official Publication Of The Salt Lake

BOARD OF REALTORS ®

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Views and opinions expressed in the editorial and advertising content of the The Salt Lake REALTOR are not necessarily endorsed by the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS . However, advertisers do make publication of this magazine possible, so consideration of products and services listed is greatly appreciated. October 2005

Rob Ockey President