Aggressive driving cases involving death or injury are on a record pace in 1996, USA Today reported Thursday, citing a study obtained in advance.
Incidents of violent highway behavior have increased 51 percent from 1990 through 1995 and could hit a high of 18,000 if this year's pace holds, the paper said.It cites a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety to be released this month.
"What used to be just two people screaming at each other is now one person losing it and pulling the trigger," the newspaper quotes security expert Lou Mizell as saying.
Mizell, who conducted the study, reviewed news and police reports to find 10,037 violent clashes since 1990 that resulted in 218 deaths and 12,610 injuries, the paper said.
The study found the weapons of choice were guns, knives, clubs and tire irons but that pepper spray, eggs and vehicles themselves also were used in attacks.
The paper said transportation and police officials advise motorists to avoid eye contact and stay away from hostile drivers.