While the holidays are typically a time of joy and cheer, preparing for them can be stressful and overwhelming. This year, there is added pressure with Thanksgiving falling later on the calendar providing less than four weeks for holiday shopping until Christmas. It’s a tradition for many people to shop on Black Friday, when stores and parking lots are very crowded leading to distractions and even road rage, which is on the rise.

A staggering 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors over the past year, according to a recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. From speeding and tailgating to cutting off other vehicles, aggressive driving has become a near universal experience – and it's not just frustrating, it appears to be contagious.

The study found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. This self-fulfilling cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is fueling a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel, which can be exasperated over the holidays.

“Often times, the stress and distractions of the shopping season impact drivers who are looking for the perfect gift or an open parking spot,” said AAA WCNY Director of Public Relations Elizabeth Carey. “These frustrations become dangerous when drivers take their anger out on other drivers. AAA is reminding everyone to use caution and drive safely.”

No matter where drivers are traveling, they should avoid road rage, which includes purposefully tailgating; yelling at another driver; honking; making angry gestures; trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes; cutting off another vehicle on purpose; getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver; and bumping another vehicle on purpose.

AAA offers these tips to help prevent road rage during this shopping season:

Follow the rules of the road
•    Maintain adequate following distance.
•    Use turn signals and allow others to merge.
•    Tap your horn if you must (but no long blasts with accompanying hand gestures).
•    Be considerate in parking lots. 
•    Remaining calm and courteous behind the wheel lowers your risk of an unpleasant encounter.

Dealing with Confrontation
•    Don’t respond to aggression with aggression.
•    If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital, or fire station.
•    If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.

Always Remember
•    Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
•    Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, and contact 911 if needed.