The Dangers of Road Rage
Incidents of road rage incidents in Florida and across the country are rampant. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 80% of drivers admitted to expressing significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel. Driving can be frustrating, and sometimes it’s common and justified to feel anger towards other drivers. Drivers who succumb to road rage, however, can lead to serious accidents and can even be deadly.
What is Road Rage?
Road rage is an expression of anger towards the drivers of other vehicles. An enraged driver is intentionally trying to threaten or intimidate another driver with aggressive driving. Aggressive driving can include such dangerous behaviors as:
- Speeding in heavy traffic
- Tailgating
- Horn honking
- Changing lanes abruptly
- Cutting in front of a driver and slowing down
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Running other vehicles off the road
- Sideswiping other vehicles
- Ramming other vehicles
- Throwing objects out of the car
Road rage incidents even result in drivers exiting their vehicles and physically assaulting or using firearms on other drivers.
Recognizing Road Rage
A driver consumed by road rage is usually easy to spot. These drivers make erratic and sudden movements with their vehicles such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic to follow a vehicle, or pulling in front of a car and slamming on the brakes. Another common sign of road rage is a driver who honks their horn excessively and flashes their lights. Enraged drivers may also yell and make hand gestures while driving.
Avoiding Enraged Drivers
The best way to protect yourself from the aggressive driving of a driver consumed with road rage is to do your best to avoid them. Some ways to avoid an accident with an enraged driver include:
- Don’t make eye contact with the enraged driver and ignore the urge to yell or gesture back. If they are not getting a reaction out of you, it’s likely the driver will move on.
- Drive defensively. Be aware of your surroundings and try to move out of the way of the aggressive driver.
- Slow down and let the aggressive driver have the right of way.
- Don’t let yourself be distracted or you may be the one causing an accident. Just focus on your driving and your destination
- Don’t go home. If someone appears to be following you, don’t lead them to your home. Instead drive around for a while or drive to your nearest police station.
- Don’t get out of your car. If the driver has followed you or caused an accident, it’s safest not to exit your vehicle. Call the police.
Contact a Trusted Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a road rage accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.