Virginia, it appears, is truly for lovers—of exhibiting rude behavior on the road. According to Insurify, an insurance comparison site which used data from more than 4 million car insurance applications, it’s not at all uncommon for the commonwealth’s drivers to practice the following “rude” behaviors:
- failing to yield right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians
- failure to stop for a red light, school bus, or stop sign
- improperly backing up
- passing where prohibited
- tailgating
- street racing
- hit-and-run
The national average for instances of “rude” driving in 2020 was 25.90 per 1,000 drivers. Virginia came in at 43.26 out of 1,000, or 41% higher than the national average. By contrast, the most polite was Kentucky, which has 10 rude infractions per 1,000 drivers.
This is the second consecutive year that Virginia landed the top spot. Running stop signs seems to be an issue for Virginians, as they blow past stops 40% more frequently than the rest of the country.
"It's a shame that Virginia has been ranked in such a negative way. Aggressive driving behaviors are nothing new, unfortunately, for any highway in the United States," Corinne N. Geller, public relations director for Virginia State Police, told FleetOwner. "For decades, the Virginia State Police has worked to encourage Virginia motorists to not engage in aggressive driving behaviors."
Geller also provided some advice on how to handle rude drivers on the road.
"Simply think twice before reacting," she said. "Don't engage with the other driver. If their actions are of a serious threatening nature and you feel your safety is at risk, then call 911 or #77 to reach the nearest police, sheriff or state police/highway patrol dispatch center. Let law enforcement intervene and resolve the issue. Give yourself enough time to reach your destination, so you're not rushed and thus more apt to react to someone else's actions — that may or may not be intentionally targeting you. Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt, be patient and be respectful. Be alert to your surroundings and other drivers' actions and reactions."
Click below to start the slideshow and see which other states to expect more unpredictable roadways.
