Speeding -- Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for road conditions
Improper or excessive lane changing: failure to signal intent, failing to see that movement can be made safely (Cutting off another driver)
Improper passing -- Failing to signal intent, using an emergency lane to pass, or passing on the shoulder.
The basic idea of aggressive driving is that the aggressive driver has no regard for the safety or rights of other drivers or the human element involved in their actions.
Road Rage is a far tougher subject to quantify. The NHTSA defines Road Rage thusly:
An assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety provides an even broader definition:
An angry or impatient motorist or passenger intentionally injuries or kills another motorist, passenger, or pedestrian, or attempts or threatens to injure or kill another motorist, passenger, or pedestrian.
It is clear from these definitions how Road Rage is considered a criminal offense. Road Rage can range from simple intimidation to vehicular assault or even vehicular homicide. While cases of Road Rage escalating to these levels is rare it is not unheard of nor is it small enough that it can be ignored. The fact is that most aggressive driving infractions never lead to Road Rage and some Road Rage is not preceded by aggressive driving. But there is a clear and undeniable link between the two actions. Again every aggressive driving incident will not lead to Road Rage but enough do that it warrants serious consideration.
