Radio Reporting Script
HOST INTRO:
New York has evolved exponentially over recent years, but one area where it has devolved is out on the roads. With the growing driver population, recent studies and statistics have reflected an increase in reckless temperaments behind the wheel and road rage incidents. Societal changes like gentrification, the migration of new and old New Yorkers back to the city, and a surplus in gig economy jobs like delivery and ride-share services are just a few of the causes to blame for this enduring issue. Cameron Modeste cruised around with some native New Yorkers to find out how these developments have changed the way they drive.
AMBI:
HONKING
TRACK:
Road rage, it’s an issue that has become far too common on New York roads, it’s practically become a rite of passage for new drivers. Road rage is something we see from time to time and may experience ourselves but for 76-year-old Jacqueline John, a retired homemaker from Queens who has been driving on NYC streets for over 40 years, she feels like the issue of road rage has only gotten worse, as she finds the roads a bit intimidating these days, especially after dark.
ACT: JACQUELINE:
I don’t like driving at night anymore and plus the highways either because 40 years ago there wasn’t that much vehicles on the road and cars wasn’t speeding like they do now. Everybody seems like they’re in a hurry.
TRACK:
New Yorkers have had to change the way they approach their commutes completely, to avoid any incidents, issues, or possible hindrances on the road. According to data provided by the TomTom Traffic Index, New York drivers find themselves stuck in traffic for an estimate of 236 hours (10 full days) annually. With school back in session the roads become an even more complicated obstacle for commuters. A sentiment emphasized by 50-year-old elementary school teacher Roxanne John, who has been driving in NYC for 26 years.
ACT: ROXANNE:
I don’t like to drive on those busy streets, those crazy streets when it’s overcrowded because I don’t drive as fast as other people. That’s why I leave early in the morning, to go to work, when there’s less cars on the road and I can get to my destination without any problems.
TRACK
A study conducted by Colorado State University found that raging drivers are more likely to take risks on the road. The study found that “High-anger drivers” are more likely to go 10 to 20 mph over the speed limit, rapidly switch lanes, tailgate, and enter an intersection even when the light turns red. 8-year Lyft driver Jeremiah Harewood admits he himself has been susceptible to road rage over the years, but he’s working on it and maneuvering around this obstacle on our roads.
ACT: JEREMIAH:
Sitting in traffic in general is irritating, so it definitely causes me to do a lot more, you know…”illegal shit,” let’s just put it like that. I feel like everybody got back on the roads, there’s even more drivers now than there was. When I was younger I used to drive with less care, I’m not going to lie I was ruthless, and I would do a lot of things. I ain’t doing all those things I would do when I was younger. Now don’t get it twisted, I will still do my thing, but there’s certain things now that I used to do that I know I wouldn’t do, its just not sensible.
TRACK:
Road rage is a driver error, it’s never the road’s fault only the drivers. But for Native New Yorkers like Jacqueline, Roxanne, and Jeremiah who aren’t willing to give up their commutes because of the issues on the road, they’ve come up with their own tricks for avoiding these problems.
ACT:
JACQULINE: The best thing to avoid any road rage if somebody does something wrong or they curse at you, is to just ignore them, that’s it.
ROXANNE: You need to watch everybody and be cautious for everybody, not just yourself. Just have more consideration on the road and we will have more peace.
JEREMIAH: Just pay attention; Gotta look all around you even though you can’t really look all around you just gotta use all your mirrors. You got a car with some new features, you better leave all those safety stuff on, if you do not know what you’re doing because anything can happen.
TRACK: CLOSING:
Beginning as soon as May 2024, the city plans on imposing congestion pricing; Which will an cause an estimated 15-20 percent reduction in the number of vehicles entering Manhattan, charging commuters between $5 during low-demand hours and up to $23 during rush hour. The idea is that this will combat overcrowding and issues like road rage incidents. Only time will tell.
For Baruch College, I am Cameron Modeste
Bibliography/Sources
I.Psychology of increased road rage: What you can do if you encounter an angry driver – CBS Colorado
II.Driving Behavior and Road Rage in 2023 | The Zebra
III.Where New York York State Ranks For Acts Road Rage in U.S.
IV.States With The Most Confrontational Drivers 2023 – Forbes Advisor
V.Return of ‘insane’ NYC traffic driving commuters crazy
VI.New Yorkers are most road rage-y drivers in U.S., study says
VII.The fast and the furious
VIII.30 Shocking Road Rage Statistics for Drivers
IX.Road Rage Shootings Are Continuing to Surge | Everytown Research & Policy
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