Most people have experienced anger while driving. Maybe the person ahead of you was driving more slowly than you wanted to go, or somebody cut you off or stole the parking space you wanted.
It’s normal to get angry in these types of situations. We all have to share the road, and it’s inevitable that something will trigger you eventually. But for many people, this anger goes beyond yelling or making hand gestures.
Road rage is an increasingly serious issue, as the Dallas Police Department states that high-anger drivers now make up 75% of the population. There have been circumstances where people have died as a result of road rage.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, road rage incidents can include drivers ramming into other vehicles, forcing other drivers off the road and even physically assaulting other drivers.
Reckless Driving and Road Rage: A Dangerous Duo
Many people experience moments of driving negligently, but not everyone drives recklessly. The people who deliberately speed, run red lights and aggressively tailgate are reckless drivers. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they experience road rage.
The problem is that even if a person doesn’t have road rage, choosing to drive recklessly can trigger another driver’s road rage and lead to a dangerous situation. Behavior that can trigger another person’s road rage includes:
- Tailgating
- Cutting off another car by changing lanes abruptly
- Not using turn signals
- Slamming on the breaks when a person is following too closely
- Honking a horn or making hand gestures
That said, even if a person doesn’t engage in these actions and does their best to drive safely and legally, they could still fall victim to road rage. Sometimes road rage is triggered completely by the mind of the person experiencing it, regardless of anyone else’s behavior.
To avoid becoming a victim of road rage, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be polite and share the road peacefully with others.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and adjust to traffic safely.
- Give yourself time to get to your destination to avoid getting stressed.
- Never look into the eyes of a person showing aggressive behavior on the road.
- If you find yourself being threatened or put in danger by another driver, call the police.
There are times when you’re having a bad day and you might be tempted to give some aggression back to a driver who’s being aggressive toward you. Don’t give in to this feeling.
You can never accurately assess the severity of another person’s anger. One wrong decision on your part can send another person into a fit of rage that could end in violence or even worse. Keep a cool head, and avoid driving recklessly to make sure you stay safe.
Injured in an Auto Accident? Contact Our Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident at the hands of a reckless driver or for any other reason, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At The Law Firm of Ted B. Lyon & Associates, our attorneys are highly skilled and experienced and will tirelessly work to get you full compensation for your injuries.
Call us today at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or simply send us a message online to request your free initial consultation.
