Every driver has a destination they are trying to reach, and delays are frustrating. Some people have reactions to driving delays or challenges that go well beyond frustration. Typical reactions are anger, hostility, and rage.
When another driver is exhibiting rage-filled behavior, it is easy to get caught up in the drama. You may want to lash out at them in return, but that can cause things to get even more heated very quickly.
Aggressive driving can be contagious. When one driver begins behaving in an aggressive and dangerous way, other drivers may want to follow suit, but don’t give in to the temptation to do that.
Here are some best practices for avoiding aggressive drivers:
Don’t Engage with Aggressive Drivers
If you see a driver coming toward you at extreme speed or any sign of an aggressive approach, the best thing to do is get out of the way. Don’t try to hold your ground just to prove a point.
Even though you might want to challenge them, it’s much smarter to avoid eye contact and refuse to engage. If they yell at you, don’t yell back or return rude gestures. Anger and aggression can quickly spiral out of control, and there’s a good chance that intense emotions might lead to a car wreck or something worse.
Control Your Own Temper
To avoid losing your own cool, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. When you know you are not late for where you’re going, you won’t be tempted to speed or race through traffic lights that are in the process of changing to red.
Resist the urge to race other drivers or to follow them too closely. Keep your focus on the road, not on your passengers, cell phone or any other distractions. Obey traffic lights, stop signs and speed limits.
Remember that your own bad driving habits can trigger reactions or overreactions in other drivers. Also, keep in mind that driving aggressively around busses or trucks is even more dangerous because they have larger blind spots and may not see you coming. Large vehicles can’t stop as quickly as smaller ones.
Driving Defensively Around Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive drivers are a big threat to staying safe on the road, possibly as big a threat or bigger than drunk drivers or big trucks. Speeding puts everyone at risk – from the person driving the car, to all their passengers, and everyone around them. It can quickly lead to an inability to slow down or stop, or to otherwise lose control of a vehicle.
When you notice another vehicle speeding, darting in and out of lanes or otherwise showing signs of aggression, it’s important to do everything you can to avoid contact with that driver. To help protect yourself and your passengers, make sure everyone is buckled up. Slow down, get out of the way and avoid any kind of confrontation. If you need to report an aggressive driver, call local police when it’s safe to do so, or dial #77 from your cell phone.
When an Aggressive Driver Causes an Accident
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, it’s important to talk to an expert in the field of personal injury law. Fill out the form on this page to get in touch with Taos Injury Lawyers and a member of our legal team will get back to you to hear your story and let you know how we can help.