Tips for Avoiding Road Rage
Road rage is a common phenomenon on today’s roads and highways. The term “road rage” covers a range of dangerous driving behaviors that can create unsafe driving conditions that increase the risk of accidents. Accidents resulting from road rage can cause severe injuries and even death. Knowing how to control your emotions and reactions while driving to avoid road rage can protect you and promote a safer environment for other road users. In this article, we share some tips for avoiding road rage.
What Is Road Rage?
Road rage is defined as angry, aggressive, or violent behavior exhibited by motorists, usually in response to other motorists’ irritating acts. This behavior can include excessive honking, frequently changing lanes, offensive hand gestures, dangerous driving, verbal insults, and threats. Examples of driving behaviors that indicate road rage include tailgating, deliberately cutting off other vehicles, speeding excessively, braking suddenly, flashing headlights aggressively, and blocking other cars from changing lanes. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over 17% of drivers engage in aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, frequently changing lanes, and tailgating. Road rage can cause accidents that result in serious injuries and even death.
Tips for Avoiding Road Rage
Driving can be frustrating, especially when you have to deal with other motorists’ bad driving behaviors. However, staying in control of your emotions while behind the wheel is important. Below are some tips to help you avoid road rage;
- Stay Calm and Composed
Maintaining your composure is one of the most crucial things to do when on the road. Stay calm and recognize that you can’t control the behavior of other motorists. You can only control how you respond to them. If, for example, another driver cuts you off, take a deep breath and focus on your own driving. Remember that if you react angrily, you will only worsen the situation.
- Give Yourself Enough Time To Get to Your Destination
If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, ensure you plan your trip ahead, factoring in possible delays. Stress from running late can exacerbate road rage. Also, plan your route if you are going somewhere new to avoid the stress of navigating through unfamiliar areas.
- If Possible, Avoid Driving While Experiencing Intense Emotion
If you are already angry or upset, avoid getting behind the wheel, if possible. Put off the trip until you calm down. If you must go somewhere, ask someone to drive you there or consider using a rideshare service or using public transit.
- Avoid Tailgating
Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front at all times. Regardless of how slowly the driver in front is going, do not follow them too closely. Tailgating can irritate other drivers and escalate tensions.
- Avoid Eye Contact
If you notice an aggressive driver, do not make eye contact with them. Making eye contact with an aggressive driver may escalate tensions. If another driver is aggressive, focus on the road and keep driving safely.
- Use Your Horn Sparingly
Do not use your horn to express your frustration with other drivers. Only use your horn when necessary. Excessive honking can annoy other drivers and heighten tensions.
Legal Help Is Available
If you get involved in an accident due to the aggressiveness of another driver, you have legal rights. You can file a compensation claim against the aggressive driver. Our Charleston car accident lawyer at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Source:
aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/202311-AAAFTS-Traffic-Safety-Culture-Index-2022.pdf
