Unfortunately, road rage is on the rise, meaning you are likely to encounter a driver with a full-blown case of road rage. Knowing how to respond may prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
“Road rage” is a term that does not have a single, universally accepted, definition. As a general rule, road rage includes aggressive driving behaviors that put others at risk or in fear. When aggressive behavior is combined with anger or frustration, it can become especially dangerous. Many drivers fail to realize that a motor vehicle is essentially a weapon — a very large, very heavy weapon that can kill as quickly as a firearm.
As the nation’s roads become more congested, motorists are becoming more concerned about aggressive driving. According to a survey by the AAA foundation, almost 9 in 10 respondents said aggressive drivers were a “somewhat” or “very serious” threat to their personal safety. Interestingly, many of the same respondents indicated that they themselves had engaged in aggressive driving during the previous year.
So what should you do if you find yourself in the path of a driver who appears to be suffering from road rage? The following tips may help prevent you from becoming a victim:
- Don’t agitate the driver. Try not to do things that are known to irritate other drivers, such as driving slowly in the left lane, cutting a driver off or tailgating.
- Don’t engage the driver. If you see that another driver is clearly agitated and driving aggressively, stay out of the way and don’t make contact. Yelling, hand gestures, and making faces will do nothing but escalate the situation.
- Keep calm. Don’t let the aggressive driver’s frustration or anger spill over onto you. Stay calm and keep your attitude positive.
- Get help. If, despite all your efforts, it appears that a motorist is truly experiencing road rage, get help. Call 911 if possible. Exit the roadway when you can do so safely and drive to a public area such as a rest stop or parking lot. Do not get out of your vehicle if the motorist follows you.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Yakima Valley area road rage collision, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries or your loss. The Yakima Valley car accident attorneys at Mariano Morales Law can help you get through the legal process and make sure that the party responsible for your injuries or loss is held accountable. Contact the team today by calling (509) 853-2222 or by using our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
Source:
- AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
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