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If you’re a driver, then you’ll no doubt have experienced the bubbling feeling of road rage building up inside when another road user gets things wrong and negatively impacts upon your journey.
Because it’s so ubiquitous, it’s important to understand what to look out for so that you can both minimize the effects of getting frustrated behind the wheel in yourself, and to prevent situations escalating when someone else is the one seeing red.
© Can Stock Photo / sobolewskin
Don’t Let Road Rage Take the Wheel: What to Do When an Angry Driver Causes an Accident
An accident caused by road rage can be a scary and dangerous situation. That’s why it’s important for men to familiarize themselves with the common warning signs of aggressive driving, so they know when it could potentially lead to something more serious.
Some of these warning signs include:
- Tailgating
- Honking horns repeatedly
- Weaving in and out of traffic lanes without signaling
- Cutting off other drivers deliberately
If you find yourself in this kind of situation, your first priority should be keeping yourself safe; do not retaliate against their actions no matter how angry you may feel.
It is best if you try to drive away from them as quickly and safely as possible. It’s also helpful if you remain aware at all times while behind the wheel – avoid distractions such as phone use that could prevent spotting potential danger ahead on time.
Above all else though, if you encounter an angry driver, don’t let your own emotions get the best of you; remain calm and drive away from them. And if they do cause a collision, get in touch with the car accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers so that you’ve got specialists on your side to claim compensation and fight your case.
Keep Your Cool on the Road: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Aggressive Driving
Road rage is an all too common problem for drivers, and it can lead to dangerous situations. It’s best to take steps to avoid becoming a victim or instigator in road rage incidents.
The first step is understanding when another driver may become angry – try not to cut them off or drive too slow if they are trying to pass you; use appropriate signals and pay attention to signage before merging into traffic; don’t stare at other drivers who have made mistakes behind the wheel as this could provoke them further.
Additionally, learn how best to respond in case someone else does get angry – remain calm and do not make any sudden movements that might seem provocative.
It’s also important that men remember their manners while driving as well – no matter what kind of situation you find yourself in, practice courtesy towards other motorists by using turn signals appropriately, avoiding honking and giving way to other drivers when necessary. By following these steps, men can help ensure road rage incidents are avoided altogether.
Easy Ways to Defuse Dangerous Situations in Heavy Traffic
Congestion can be a major source of road rage, and in many places it’s especially prevalent during the busiest hours of the day when people are commuting to and from work.
The first step to stopping road rage boiling over in this scenario is avoiding aggressive behavior yourself. No matter how infuriating it may seem when other drivers make mistakes or drive slowly, don’t react to this with angry gestures or words; simply focus on driving safely and using your signals appropriately instead. And if your vehicle gets hit, don’t blow a fuse; if you’ve got good insurance, it’s not the end of the world.
Secondly, if you find yourself stuck behind an overly-aggressive driver who poses a risk to others around them, don’t hesitate to call 911 if necessary. Reporting potentially dangerous situations caused by others isn’t just important for your own safety, but for everyone else on the road.
Lastly, be aware of the indicators that you’re getting angry, and don’t rise to them. Feeling hot and bothered, or over-tired, or generally irritable before you hit the road is not a good mix. Pull into a rest area or a side street, take a minute or two to regain your composure, and only rejoin the traffic when you’re calm and collected.
Alternative Options for Drivers Plagued by Road Rage
Whether you struggle with feelings of anger when driving, or you’ve had one too many run-ins with other furious motorists, it’s worth considering other ways to deal with this that might be suitable.
Anger management therapy is a good choice for anyone who has an irrational or disproportionate response to encounters on the road, for instance.
Likewise if there are public transport options in your neighborhood, you could save money and avoid hassle by taking the bus or train to get to your destination instead of your car.
Final Thoughts
We can’t shy away from the reality of road rage in our country, so it’s best to be prepared for it, and to be as responsible and savvy as possible as a road user, whether you’re a driver, passenger or pedestrian.
