Everyone seems to be in a hurry these days, especially when they are driving. It doesn’t take much to make another driver angry. They may be running late and are upset that you are in their way, or they might be having a bad day. Whatever the reason, anger behind the wheel can lead to aggressive driving, also known as road rage.
Statistics show that eight out of ten drivers have faced road rage at one time or another. Serious injuries as a result of aggressive driving accidents are becoming a common occurrence. What’s worse is the fact that 30 murders are committed each year due to road rage.
Why is road rage on the rise?
Aggressive drivers tend to view the vehicles around them as machines, forgetting that there is a human sitting behind the wheel. You and your car are simply an object that is in their way. Should you make the mistake of driving too slowly or unintentionally cutting them off, these drivers go into full-on rages you are their target.
Protecting yourself behind the wheel
Taking these precautions may protect you from becoming a victim of road rage:
- If you are being tailgated, change lanes as soon as possible.
- Do not react to an angry driver. Try to ignore the gestures and volatile language being directed at you.
- Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver. Doing so could push them over the edge.
- Allow the driver to pass. Once they are in front of you, watch out for brake checks.
Should you end up in an accident due to a raging driver, call 9-1-1 and alert them to the situation. Do not get out of the car if the other driver is antagonizing you. Snap a picture of their license plate and wait for help to arrive.
If you have been injured in an accident due to road you’ll need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses. Experienced legal guidance can help.