Aggressive driving can result in a number of dangerous behaviors likely to cause accidents. According to CreditDonkey, anger on the road is becoming an increasingly widespread problem. Thus, you are more likely than not to encounter an aggressive driver on your daily commute.
Although you have no way of controlling another person’s conduct, there are some things you can do to decrease your own risks.
Identify danger signs
Paying attention to your surroundings can help you avoid various hazards, including unsafe drivers. Signs that could indicate an angry motorist include excessive speeding, tailgating, passing and immediately braking, swerving, honking, cutting off other vehicles and yelling.
Avoid confrontation
When you notice an aggressive driver, the best thing you can do is try to put as much distance as you can between yourself and that vehicle. If you are not able to get away immediately, stay calm and do not engage. Yelling back, gesturing or even just making eye contact are likely to escalate the situation, making the driver angrier and more willing to behave dangerously. It can be tempting to voice your disapproval of bad driving, but it is important to remember it is also counterproductive.
If you observe unsafe driving, you may want to report it to the police or to state troopers. Call the appropriate number once you can do so safely.
In some extreme situations, you may find an angry driver purposely following you. When this happens, your best option is to head somewhere public with a solid security presence. Do not get out of your car to confront such a person, and do not drive home.
Stay calm
As road conditions and unsafe drivers can cause a great deal of stress, it is important to take steps to avoid becoming that angry driver yourself. Planning your route in advance and accounting for traffic can decrease the frustration of running late. Some other techniques to help you stay calm include avoiding stressful conversations, playing serene music and keeping distractions at bay.
Because aggressive driving is unsafe and violates numerous traffic rules, it can be considered negligent. If you suffer injuries in a crash caused by an aggressive driver, you may be entitled to recover legal compensation.
