If you’ve ever been cut off in traffic, stuck in an endless construction zone, or had a driver tailgating you, you know how easy it is to feel the anger bubbling up. Road rage is common when driving. In a fast-paced world, frustration can quickly develop in many drivers.
If you’re wondering how to deal with others who have road rage, it can be tricky. Aggressive drivers can be unpredictable. However, you want to handle these encounters with care to avoid escalation that could lead to a car accident.
Here are several strategies to stay safe and maintain your composure when dealing with road rage.
Stay Calm, and Don’t Respond Aggressively
When someone else is displaying road rage, you want to remain calm. Road rage is common.
According to an AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey, over 80% of drivers experienced some type of angry outburst on the road. While it is easy to feel provoked when another driver is tailgating, cutting you off, or honking aggressively, responding will only escalate the situation.
You will want to avoid making eye contact, shouting, or using hand gestures. However, with a composed demeanor, you avoid feeding into their aggression and escalating the issue.
Keep a Safe Distance
If another driver shows signs of road rage, create distance between you and them. You might want to change lanes or let them pass, especially if they are speeding or weaving through traffic.
With a safe distance, you reduce the risk of being involved in an accident or confrontation. Always make sure to give aggressive drivers the space they need to calm down and continue on their way.
Don’t Take Their Behavior Personally
People displaying road rage might be having a bad day or dealing with personal issues. This has nothing to do with you. If you let their aggression affect you, you can be pulled into an unnecessary conflict.
Avoid Escalating the Situation
When another driver is honking, tailgating, or engaging in aggressive behaviors, the best thing you can do is ignore them. Resist the urge to make retaliatory gestures or outmaneuver them in traffic.
When you engage in aggressive behavior, you often provoke the driver. Sometimes, you can end up in a more dangerous situation. Just keep focusing on your driving and keep a clear path.
Use Defensive Driving Techniques
Defensive driving is needed when dealing with aggressive drivers. You should always anticipate potential risks and be prepared for erratic behavior. For example, if a driver is tailgating you or changing lanes without signaling, adjust your speed and position to avoid an accident. Defensive driving helps you stay safe and maintain a calm, controlled driving environment.
Report the Dangerous Behavior
If you’re dealing with a driver who is putting others at risk with their aggressive behavior, it may be necessary to report them. In many areas, you can safely report dangerous driving behaviors such as excessive speeding, weaving between lanes, or tailgating to local authorities.
While you should never put yourself in danger by attempting to confront the driver, if you feel that their behavior is seriously threatening, notifying law enforcement may prevent other incidents.
Remove Yourself from the Situation
If an aggressive driver continues to follow or harass you, it might be time to remove yourself from the situation. You may need to pull over in a safe area or drive to a police station or a busy public area.
The driver is less likely to continue their aggressive behavior in these spaces. Your safety is the top priority. If you feel threatened, take those steps to protect yourself.
Using These Tips Can Keep You Safe
Road rage is a major contributor to car accidents. Many times, this is due to reckless and dangerous driving. When anger takes over, these drivers may:
- Tailgate
- Speed
- Cut others off
- Make risky moves
Any one of these actions can increase the chances of a crash. In the heat of the moment, decisions are made impulsively without considering the consequences. When these drivers cause an accident, they can be at fault for any injuries and damages caused by their actions.
Dealing with other drivers who have road rage requires patience and awareness. You need to stay calm to get out of the situation safely. Take these steps to avoid being dragged into a dangerous cycle of road rage.
If you’ve been affected by a road rage incident in Louisville, make sure to reach out for legal help.
At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, we can help you take those next steps.
