Road rage incidents are unfortunately frequent; they’re regularly reported in the news and shared on social media platforms like Facebook. Just recently in the greater DC area and Maryland, we’ve seen news stories about one driver allegedly shooting another, arrests made after a road rage incident where someone reportedly pointed a gun, and a teenage driver arrested for allegedly attacking another driver with a knife.
Road rage incidents that don’t end in gun shots or assault are also extremely dangerous. When people are angry, they tend to drive more aggressively. They’re more likely to break traffic laws; you’ll witness them speeding, tailgating, running red lights, blowing past stop signs, and failing to signal during lane changes. Because they’re consumed with anger, they’re less likely to pay close attention to the road or to their own driving. They may cause accidents by colliding with other vehicles, cutting them off, or running them off the road. Their behavior, which includes repeated honking, shouting, and crude gestures, can become a deadly distraction to other drivers.
Putting a stop to road rage
Drivers first and foremost have to take responsibility for themselves. If you know that you’re prone to road rage, you have to find reliable ways to manage it. Some drivers apply techniques for controlling anger and reducing stress, such as taking deep breaths, counting to 10 (or 20), listening to soothing music, or giving themselves an insistent reminder to stay calm during tense situations (e.g. “don’t take other drivers’ behavior personally” or “this is not worth my life or my health”). You should also look for ways to reduce stress in advance, such as by carefully studying your route and giving yourself enough time to get to your destination so that you feel less pressured.
If you’re caught up in a road rage situation, it’s important to protect yourself and, if possible, to not let it escalate. Don’t leave your vehicle to confront another driver. Try to avoid responding to them, whether by shouting back or staring at them. Report aggressive driving or other threatening behaviors to law enforcement.
Should you suffer an accident involving angry or aggressive driving, don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s important that you receive high-quality legal representation while coping in the aftermath. We can be reached at 844-Take-MyCase or through our website, www.844TakeMyCase.com. To find out more about road safety issues and legal news, you can follow us on Facebook; we seek to keep people well-informed through our Facebook account.
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