Whether you’ve been stuck in heavy traffic or gotten cut off by someone yakking on their cell phone, chances are you’ve probably experienced some degree of road rage as a driver. This is completely normal. But some drivers take it a bit too far. Their road rage may result in actions that endanger the lives of other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists, causing accident, injury, or even death.
What is road rage?
Road rage is the term used to describe the reckless and aggressive behavior resulting from a driver’s anger over the actions of other drivers or traffic conditions.
Drivers that display road rage may:
- Weave recklessly in and out of traffic
- Speed
- Cut off other cars
- Block vehicles in traffic
- Honk
- Tailgate
- Brake check
- Flash their headlights
The danger comes from aggressive drivers that go one step further and:
- Follow other vehicles too closely
- Attempt to run another vehicle off the road
- Hit another vehicle with their own
- Curse or gesture at other drivers
- Physically confront or approach another driver
How To Respond To A Driver Expressing Road Rage
Road rage is responsible for almost 65% of traffic fatalities. In order to stay safe, you should know how to respond to another driver that is exhibiting road rage. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe:
- Don’t respond or retaliate to the anger or aggression
- Avoid using your horn or gesturing at the driver
- Stay calm
- Be considerate of other drivers (who may begin exhibiting signs of road rage in response to the aggressive driver)
- Avoid eye contact
- Do not get out of your vehicle or roll down your window to confront the driver
If the aggressive driver pursues your vehicle, immediately call the police. Stay on the phone with the operator and give him/her your location. Don’t go home if you’re being followed. Instead, continue driving or park in a safe, public location and wait for the police.
If you’ve sustained an injury as a result of an aggressive driver, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys from The Clardy Law Firm. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
