How to Handle a Driver With Road Rage

 Posted on June 16, 2022 in Car Accidents

Everyone has encountered a driver with road rage at some point. If someone aggressively cuts you off, makes rude hand gestures, uses their vehicle to block your path, or yells at you out their window, you are likely dealing with road rage. Studies show that since the pandemic began, instances of road rage have increased quite a bit. Perhaps this is because people became accustomed to the lighter traffic and are having difficulty adjusting to the return of rush hour. Whatever the reason, all drivers should know how to respond to road rage when it is directed at them. While it is not always possible to prevent a road-raging driver from causing a car accident and hurting you, taking the right steps can help keep you safer before, during, and after a road rage crash. If you were injured by a driver with road rage, our lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation. 

Addressing Road Rage Before an Accident

As soon as you become aware that another driver’s road rage is directed at you, you can begin taking steps to avoid or mitigate an accident. You could: 

• Change course - If you can, make a turn to get away from the driver. 

• Apologize - Even if you did nothing wrong, a quick “sorry” wave may calm the situation.

• Avoid engaging - Yelling back or driving aggressively will only make the situation worse. 

• Predict the unpredictable - Do not expect the driver to make controlled or predictable movements. Anticipate that they may run a light, pull in front of you and slam on the brakes, or make other wild movements. 

Safety After a Road Rage Accident

If the driver with road rage crashes into you anyway, the danger is not over when your car comes to a stop. Steps you can take to prevent further harm after the crash include: 

• Call 911 - Call 911 instead of the non-emergency number. You may need a quick police response to prevent further violence. 

• Film - Even an incredibly angry person is less likely to try to harm you if they know they are being filmed. 

• Move to safety - If it is not safe to stay in your car with the doors locked, try walking toward a more populated area, like a nearby business. 

• Stay calm - It can be incredibly difficult to keep your cool after someone has just crashed into you out of anger, but getting into a verbal or physical altercation with the road-raging driver is not going to help your situation in any way. 

When the police arrive, explain from your perspective what happened. Your next call should be to an attorney. 

Call a Dallas County Car Accident Attorney

Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. is experienced in holding drivers with road rage accountable for the harm they cause. Our skilled Dallas car accident lawyers will strive to get you the highest possible settlement or award. Contact us at 214-221-5800 for a free consultation. 

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/04/19/road-rage-pandemic-safety-tips/