Some drivers are obviously dangerous to others in traffic. For example, some people swerve all over the road while they drive, making it clear that they are likely under the influence. Others have their phones in their hands or stare down into their laps, making their distraction quite obvious.
Road rage drivers are also easy to spot. Some drivers become very angry and aggressive on the road. They tailgate, cut people off, scream profanities and even follow others to escalate a traffic incident. Road rage has become more common in recent years. Drivers may explode at one another with little prior warning. Road rage motorists can commit acts of violence or cause collisions.
How can a motorist driving close to someone who has lost their cool protect themselves?
By changing their route
Continuing to drive near a motorist experiencing road rage could lead to increased injury risk. Their unpredictable behavior makes them a hazard to everyone else on the road. Drivers may want to exit the highway early or turn off on another road and find a different route to their destination. Giving a road rage driver more space could help people avoid collisions and other incidents.
By refusing to react
Many people meet others with the same energy that they give. A driver who begins screaming and making angry gestures can inspire others to respond in kind. Displaying irritation and anger to a road rage driver may only worsen their conduct. They may become so fixated on confronting the other motorists that they follow them to their destination and assault them. They might cut them off or try to swerve into the vehicle, causing a crash. Trying to avoid eye contact with a road rage driver and avoiding communication through angry language or gestures can prevent the situation from escalating.
By heading to a public location
Some road rage incidents culminate in an assault or even a homicide. The infuriated driver follows another motorist to their destination and then continues the altercation when they exit their vehicle. When a road rage driver tailgates and seems intent on following another motorist, heading home or to work could be a major mistake. The person targeted by the road rage driver may want to drive to a police station or another public location. That way, there are witnesses and people to intervene in case the situation escalates.
Knowing how to handle a road rage driver is important. So is holding them accountable if they cause a car crash. People who lose control of their emotions on the road may ultimately be responsible if other people sustain injuries and have costly property damage to address because they caused a collision with their erratic behavior.