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SAN FRANCISCO – The California State Automobile Association today identified the Bay Area’s most hostile roadways, blaming tailgating and the ubiquitous weaving in and out across lanes of traffic as the reasons behind the road rage. 

The survey, dubbed “Bay Area’s Rudest Roads,’’ points to the East Bay’s Nimitz Freeway as having the highest level of aggressive drivers. Interstate Highway 80 from Oakland to Vallejo and U.S. Highway 101 between San Francisco and San Jose forced a close tie for second, while the section of Interstate Highway 680 from Concord to San Jose closed out the top three worst locales for offensive driving. 

The report was released at a news conference in San Francisco this morning. 

AAA Vice President of Corporate Affairs Rose Guilbault cited a lack of courtesy on the road as a factor for the deaths of at least 218 people and nearly 13,000 injuries between 1990 and 1996. 

Compelled by the escalating number of accidents related to aggressive driving, the survey examines the need to address exactly how to immediately avoid and handle an encounter with an aggressive driver. 

“Seventy-three percent of those surveyed believe a hand gesture warrants an appropriate apology,’’ Guilbault said. “Gestures of apology through smiling were also deemed appropriate.’’ 

Guilbault pointed out that drivers favor more funding for driver education and law enforcement to reduce such road rage encounters. 

AAA traffic and safety expert Kevin Kelly outlined a number of methods for drivers to avoid becoming victims of road rage. 

“Avoid interaction, refuse to take anything on the road personally,’’ Kelly said. “Drivers need to remember not to take hostility personally, to stay calm and swallow their pride.’’ 

Kelly further highlighted the dangers of rude behavior, noting that impolite gestures have resulted in shootings and stabbings in every U.S. state. 

“People with cell phones can dial 911 while those without phones should pull into a safe area, including police and fire houses, service stations or hospitals. These particular areas will often provide a driver with assistance as well as witnesses,’’ Kelly said.