A growing problem on our highways is road rage. There are many factors that contribute to road rage and they can range from insignificant to deeply serious. While you can never control the behavior of another driver, you can always make sure that you remain calm and not contribute to the problem. By being smart about it, you may be able to avoid violent interactions and/or having an accident.
If there is an aggressive driver in your midst, how you react to their actions will determine what will occur next. Before you learn how to handle the road rage of others, you should first do a self-assessment to see if you are the aggressive driver. Usual behaviors of an aggressive driver include: tailgating, using the horn, changing lanes quickly and often, flashing headlights, and gesturing to other drivers. If this is you, changing and altering your driving habits can be done with practice. If you need help, you can sign up for a driver’s education course or personalized training.
If the aggressive driver isn’t you, you can follow some tips on how to drive when in the presence of such a driver. Usually people who are angry on the road are in a hurry. If someone is tailgating you, swerving into your lane or just driving aggressively around you, you can move over, slow down or allow them to pass. If someone is giving you obscene gestures like the finger, remain calm by turning it into a humorous situation and pretend they’re letting you know that you are number one. You can also just laugh off their gestures or yelling and continue on your way. Another way to stay calm and collected in a stressful road environment is to imagine what you will be doing when you’re out of it. If you’re headed home, just imagine about crawling into bed, a hot bath or reading.
Sometimes there are drivers that bring the road rage out of you. They instigate by driving too slow, hogging up the lane, skipping turn signals or braking frequently without cause. In these situations, it’s important that you do not become the aggressive driver because it will increase your chances of being involved in an accident or getting into an altercation. If you’re around such a driver, wait for an appropriate opportunity to pass them by or patiently wait until they are out of your way.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
