How To Avoid Road Rage
Road rage is a growing problem in America and everyone is susceptible to road rage. It is said that the majority of “road-ragers” are young male drivers, but the reality is that any driver is susceptible to road rage. This is especially true for drivers experiencing stress and frustration in other parts of their life. Unfortunately, road rage can lead to car accidents that result in injuries or death. In a single year, road rage-related car accidents can result in thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths.
With road rage being such a huge problem on American roads, it is crucial that you understand if there is anything you can do to avoid it. So, can road rage be avoided? Fortunately, road rage can be avoided. Read on to learn more about road rage and what you can do to prevent it.
Defining Road Rage
Road rage is explosive anger that arises because of inconveniences and incidents. Often, road rage is wielded in a retaliatory way. Many times, a motorist will believe they have been wronged in a way, and then anger will get the best of them. They might start responding to the other driver aggressively. When two or more drivers exchange aggressive responses, that is when the most dangerous road-rage incidents happen.
The following are some behaviors that “road-ragers” engage in;
- Yelling
- Erratic braking
- Failing to signal
- Cutting other drivers off
- Flashing headlights at slow drivers
- Tailgating
- Confronting another driver
- Honking excessively
Causes of Road Rage
Road rage can arise because of many reasons. The following are some of the most common causes of road rage;
- Traffic delays – Traffic delays can contribute to anxious, stressed feelings that can burst into road rage when a driver thinks another driver has intentionally acted aggressively.
- Anonymity – A driver is more likely to act aggressively towards another driver if they feel they will never see them again.
- Running late – If a driver is, for example, running late for a meeting, they may get impatient. A driver running late is likely to get angry if an inconvenience or incident occurs.
Tips To Help Avoid Road Rage
So, what can you do to avoid road rage? The following are a few ways you can avoid road rage:
Leave Earlier To Go to Places
As you’ve already learned, drivers become more easily frustrated when running late. Therefore, when going somewhere, it is best that you give yourself extra time. When you have extra time to get where you are going, you will not get frustrated when you hit a red light or get stuck in traffic.
Practice Polite Driving Habits
To avoid road rage, you want to ensure that other drivers around you are not angry. This means avoiding things such as tailgating, weaving, cutting off other vehicles, and erratic braking. When you do this, not only will you avoid road rage, but you will also make driving more pleasant for other drivers around you.
Get Away From Aggressive Motorists
If you notice another driver is acting aggressively, it is best that you get away from them. You can do so by changing lanes or allowing them to get ahead.
Resist the Urge To Retaliate
If a raging driver is trying to pick a fight with you, resist the urge to get even with them. Don’t add fuel to the fire.
Pull Over if You Need To
It is easier for road rage to arise when you are frustrated or under stress because of something else. For example, if the passengers in your vehicle are too loud, you could become frustrated. In such a case, do not pile up your frustration. Instead, stop your car somewhere safe and only get back to the road once you feel better and after restoring order.
Apologize to Another Driver if You Have Wronged Them
Suppose you do something that could offend another driver. In such a case, apologize to the other driver. For example, if you cut off another driver and realize they might get offended, ensure you apologize.
Say Thank You
Apart from apologizing, you also need to learn to say thank you when on the road. If, for example, another driver lets you get ahead of them, show gratitude to avoid upsetting them.
Avoid Making Rude Gestures at Other Drivers
Even if another driver is doing a terrible job at driving, you need to remember that it is not your duty to remind drivers how they should drive. Avoid making rude gestures at drivers in an attempt to correct their driving.
Contact a Naples Auto Accident Attorney
Our Naples auto accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro are experienced in helping auto accident victims recover compensation from negligent parties. In the event of a car accident that is another party’s fault, call us at 239-329-8577.
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