Road Rage Tips

14 Jun Road Rage Tips

The road can be a dangerous place. Even if you are a safe and aware driver, there is still the threat of every other car on the road. Add in inclement weather, traffic, or construction, and an aggressive driver can make travel very dangerous.

 

What is Road Rage?

Road rage is defined by DMV.org as aggressive or violent behavior stemming from a driver’s uncontrolled anger at the actions of another motorist. Some examples include:

• Hitting their vehicle with your car.
• Running them off the road.
• Pulling over, getting out, and engaging in a physical confrontation.
• Inciting your passenger(s) to fight the other driver.
• Using any sort of weapon to inflict harm on another driver or vehicle.

 

Here are a few tips to help drivers stay safe when encountering road rage while driving:

Protect Yourself

If you are dealing with an aggressive driver, make sure your doors are locked. When you’re stopped in traffic, leave enough room to pull out from behind the car you’re following. And, if an aggressive driver confronts you, dial 911 or go to the nearest police station.

Don’t Take it Personally

Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn’t. Avoid any conflict, if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and move out of the way! Never underestimate the other driver’s capacity for causing mayhem.

 

Reduce Your Own Stress

Allow plenty of time for a trip and listen to soothing music when you drive. Make sure your seat position and climate are both comfortable for you. And mostly understand that you cannot control traffic, only your reaction to it. In the end, you may find that personal frustration, anger, and impatience are the real danger zones on the highway.

 

Report Aggressive Drivers

Some states have a phone number that you can use to report dangerous driving to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Keep the number handy on your cell phone. If you make a call, be sure you give a vehicle description, license number, and the location and travel direction. You could prevent a tragedy.

Be a Courteous Driver

You can set an example, which can help make our roads safer.

• Control your anger.
• Don’t take traffic problems personally.
• Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver.
• Don’t make obscene gestures.
• Don’t tailgate.
• Use your horn sparingly — even a polite honk can be misinterpreted.
• Don’t block the passing lane.
• Don’t block the right turn lane.

 

Talk to Others

Share a recent road rage incident with members of your family and friends, or even with community groups. This will help you better understand the situation and protect you in the future.

 

Truskett Law is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, we are here to help. We give free consultations for injuries, car wrecks, and wrongful deaths.

Give us a call at (918) 392-5444