Road rage incidents are dangerous and unnecessary. While frustration can build in traffic or while driving, there is no excuse to risk the lives of other drivers or yourself. To help you remain safe and calm, consider adhering to these seven tips the next time you get behind the wheel.
- Leave Early
Most road rage incidents start because of a lack of patience and high stress. To avoid both issues, consider leaving for your job, appointment, or visit early. If you get frustrated with rush hour traffic, ask your boss if you can come into work an hour early, allowing you to leave earlier. More time should equate to more patience and less stress.
- Pull Over
If you are driving, and you find your stress level and anger rising, pull over. Give yourself time to breathe and separate from the situation that is aggravating you. Pulling into a parking lot or side street will allow you to take several deep breaths, and if it is safe, you may even want to get out of the car and go for a walk.
- Leave Room
While it is tempting to stay close to other vehicles in heavy traffic, it is better to leave space. Space gives you time to react and avoid potential collisions or fender-benders, which can lead to violent or volatile confrontations.
- Ignore the Horn
While manufacturers place car horns in a convenient space for punching and slapping, it is best to avoid using them. While a horn may help relieve stress or frustration in a traffic jam, it will not get you anywhere faster and it will only contribute to the frustration of other drivers — especially those directly in front of you.
- Stay Positive
The best thing to avoid road rage is to stay positive. Only use positive hand gestures and refrain from cursing or yelling.
- Avoid Confrontation
If another driver is exhibiting signs of road rage and aggression, do everything you can to avoid the confrontation. Try to pull off the main road, avoid eye contact, and give them time and space to calm down.
- Never Stop
If an angry driver is pursuing your vehicle, do not stop. Call the police, if possible, and drive to the nearest police station for help.
Do everything you can to avoid a road rage incident. The above tips will help to negate most risks. However, if a road rage incident occurs, and you sustain injuries, contact a car accident lawyer, like a car accident lawyer in Longwood, FL, for help.
Thanks to David & Philpot, PL for their insight into some ways to prevent road rage.