Aggressive Drivers: A Guide on Handling Road Rage

In today’s fast-paced world, everyone seems to be in a hurry, in stress, and trying to get to their destination yesterday.

Road rage sometimes happens to be the vent valve for letting off frustration via aggressive, hostile, or angry behavior of road users while driving.

Such may include rude gestures, verbal insults, threats, physical altercation, and even inflicting injury that may lead to death. Surprisingly, even the nicest and kindest of us is not immune to this kind of behavior. Painfully, most people proceed to act on their rage, leading to far-reaching consequences.

The goal is to exercise restraint by staying calm.

Learn to control your temper.

It is vital, especially when confronted by an aggressive driver. However, this sometimes may not allay the fears of the situation getting out of hand. Sometimes you may be the victim. Other times you may be the aggressor. But knowing what to do during such scenarios can greatly defuse the rising tension that may end up being catastrophic.

What to Do in a Road Rage Situation

What to Do in a Road Rage Situation While most of us have experienced road rage at one time or another, it is important to keep in mind that it is a serious situation that can escalate quickly.

If you find yourself in a road rage situation, the best thing to do is to stay calm and try to defuse the situation. If someone is tailgating you, don’t brake suddenly or make any aggressive moves.

Instead, let them pass or move to another lane. If someone is trying to start a fight, don’t get out of your car. Instead, drive to a safe place and call the police. Remember, road rage is a dangerous situation that should be avoided at all cost.

Ensure you secure yourself

Sometimes, the safest place you can be in such a situation is to remain in your car. Ensure your car doors are locked, especially if you sense another driver may become physically violent.

Control your temper and do not react

If a driver drives aggressively by tailgating, passing, or cutting you off, do not react or be tempted to engage the person. It is wise to ignore and move on.

Clear the way for the aggressive driver

If you suspect any aggressive behavior, turn on your signal indicator, and move over as soon as it is safe to allow the aggressive driver to pass. Also, ensure you maintain a significant distance between the driver’s vehicle and yours.

Also, do not pull over the side of the road. It will avoid the risk of the other driver doing the same. Instead, look for a safe place such as a police station or a shopping center. Do not leave the vehicle.

Avoid going home

You can pull into a safe and busy place until you are satisfied you lost the other car.

Do not make eye contact

Making eye contact with an already worked-up driver is like adding more gasoline in an inferno. It can upset them further. Keep your eyes focused on the road and continue on your way.

Remember, the road is not yours

Do not take anything personally in such a situation. The angry driver may only be looking for a way to vent his anger and frustration. Do not allow that person to make you an outlet.

Take note of the vehicle information

If possible, record the driver’s license plate number, the vehicle makes, and model in the event the situation escalates beyond your control. Have your cell phone handy to call 911 if you suspect a fracas is inevitable, providing the police with all relevant information.

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The next time you find yourself in a road rage situation, remember to keep your cool. There are things you can do to diffuse the anger and hopefully avoid an altercation.

Remember, it’s not worth getting into a fight or causing an accident over something that can be resolved peacefully. If you follow these tips, hopefully, you can get through the situation without any harm done.

Road rage situations can and do happen. But do know that you can take control of the situation. Apply the tips from this article (along with defensive driving skills) to stay safe. The moment will pass, and although you may be annoyed — know that you’re arriving at your destination without consequences.