There are tens of thousands of car accident fatalities every year in the U.S. While some of these are unavoidable, the majority could have been prevented. Speeding, intoxication, distractions and fatigued driving are just some of the most common causes of accidents. However, one aspect is often overlooked- aggression.
Aggressive driving is generally referred to as road rage, and these incidents are on the rise. How can you deal with a road rage encounter in a way that enhances your safety?
A measured response
You don’t have to pretend that the road rage incident didn’t happen, but you don’t have to immediately react either. Often, angry drivers are looking for a reaction so that they can continue or escalate their negative behaviors. The more measured you are in your response, the better.
You may want to quietly take note of the driver’s appearance, the model and color of the vehicle and the license plate number if you can. It’s best to try and do this in a way that doesn’t raise suspicion. One thing that’s definitely best to avoid is any kind of direct response, even if it’s just suggesting that they calm down. Those in a fit of rage rarely respond well to being told to calm down.
Pull over or let them pass
If the aggressive driving is placing you in immediate danger, then it’s best to let the driver pass. If you have to, pull over at a safe spot. However, make sure this place is public and full of witnesses. And, make sure that you do not pull over at your home address or workplace.
An encounter with an angry driver can be overwhelming. If you’ve ended up injured in such an incident, seek legal guidance to find out about pursuing personal injury compensation.
