AAA Issues Statewide “Coping with Construction” Alert - Third in a Series of Statewide Traffic Safety Alerts

AAA Issues Statewide “Coping with Construction” Alert - Third in a Series of Statewide Traffic Safety Alerts

Coping With Construction Alert
CONTACT: Susan Hiltz, Public Affairs Director, Michigan
AAA – The Auto Club Group
C: 586.940.0278 - slhiltz@aaamichigan.com

AAA Issues Statewide “Coping with Construction” Alert - Third in a Series of Statewide Traffic Safety Alerts

DEARBORN, MI. (July 12, 2018) – Summer construction projects are heating up all across Michigan roads, bridges and highways. Rising temperatures, higher numbers of motorists on the roads and the challenges of maneuvering construction areas can increase the risks for aggressive driving. AAA continues its third in a series of statewide informational Coping With Construction Alerts that have been issued throughout the road construction season.

This is part of AAA’s legacy of traffic safety advocacy efforts to educate and inform motorists. It is also in response to the growing concerns regarding the safety and sustainability of Michigan’s crumbling infrastructure. With major road projects in progress, these tips are provided to help motorists “cope with construction” as AAA encourages Michiganders to continue to hold decision-makers accountable for viable solutions that bring safe, sustainable, smooth and steady road conditions to our state. This alert is focused on avoiding aggressive driving, reducing road rage and supporting driver safety across the state as a record number of Michiganders hit the road this summer.

According to a study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

Nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the past year.
Approximately 8 million U.S. drivers engaged in more extreme examples of road rage, including purposefully ramming another vehicle or getting out of the car to confront another driver.
Nearly 3 in 4 drivers believe that aggressive driving is a bigger problem today than three years ago, while nine out of ten believe aggressive drivers are a serious threat to their personal safety.

“Summer time driving can be stressful as drivers head out on vacation or battle congested freeways and roads on a daily basis,” said Susan Hiltz, Michigan public affairs director of AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Minor frustrations have the potential to turn deadly if drivers act out their anger on the road. Travelers should be sure to pack their patience and remember to be respectful when they get behind the wheel.”
AAA Tips to Avoid Road Rage

Do Not 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 is not personal.
Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and contact 9-1-1 if needed.

AAA in Michigan celebrated its 100^th Anniversary - A Century of Service in 2016 and has over 1.4 million members across the state. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG). Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.5 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 58 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety was established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. It is a not-for-profit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.