Road rage accidents are an unfortunate but frequent occurrence, often caused by aggressive driving and stress-related factors. The resulting feelings of anger and frustration can lead to distracted driving and accidents. Several common forms and causes of aggressive driving and road rage contribute to this problem. Contact an attorney today if you suffered damages in a recent road rage accident.
Manifestation of Road Rage:
Almost 80% of drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving or road rage in the last year, according to a survey. Examples of such behavior include yelling, tailgating, honking in anger, making rude gestures, cutting off other drivers, blocking other drivers from changing lanes, and even physically confronting other drivers outside of their vehicles.
Frequent occurrences of aggressive driving and road rage can lead to serious consequences, such as playing a role in over half of all fatal auto accidents over a five-year period. The behavior can stem from various factors such as traffic delays, running late, disregard for the law and etiquette, and learned or habitual driving behavior. It is important to have adequate auto insurance coverage to protect yourself and your property in case of such incidents.
Avoiding Road Rage:
To prevent road rage and aggressive driving, it’s essential to learn how to manage your time and emotions properly. Adequate time management and calming techniques can help you stay relaxed while driving. Additionally, you should be patient with other drivers, use appropriate hand gestures, avoid tailgating, and ease up on honking. Never confront other drivers by getting out of your vehicle, as it rarely leads to a positive outcome.
In the event of encountering an aggressive driver, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid escalating the situation. First, avoid responding to their behavior in a similar manner as it may only make things worse. Additionally, do not stop your vehicle as it may be perceived as a challenge by the other driver. Instead, create distance by slowing down, changing lanes, or even exiting the highway. If the driver continues to pursue you, drive to the nearest police station or other safe location. These tips can help prevent you from becoming a victim of aggressive driving and road rage while also avoiding engaging in such behavior yourself.
Final Thoughts:
In the event that a road rage incident leads to an accident, emotions can take over and we may find ourselves in a situation we were trying to avoid. It is advisable to have the contact information of an attorney with experience in handling car accident cases, to ensure the best possible outcome for our situation.`