How to Handle Road Rage in California
One minute, you could be driving on the road simply heading to your destination, and the next minute, you could be involved in a dangerously violent roadway altercation.
Road rage is dangerous for everybody, not just a few people. Road rage can affect those directly involved in the ongoing incident as well as those in nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Here, we want to review some basic steps you can take to handle a roadway situation if one arises when you get behind the wheel.
Tips for Handling Road Rage
Ultimately, turning to your tried and true defensive driving tactics can help prevent road rage and also provide great tips for handling any road rage incidents that arise. Some tips to follow for handling road rage include:
- Stay calm. Maintaining your composure is paramount. Reacting angrily can escalate the situation, putting you and others at risk.
- Do not retaliate. Avoid the urge to respond to aggression with aggression. This includes refraining from honking back, making gestures, or engaging in a verbal dispute.
- Give them space. If someone is tailgating or trying to engage you aggressively, try to safely change lanes and allow them to pass. Increasing the distance between you and the aggressor can defuse the situation.
- Avoid eye contact. Making eye contact can sometimes be perceived as confrontational. Focus on the road ahead and ignore the aggressor’s attempts to engage you.
- Use your horn sparingly. The horn should be used to alert others to avoid accidents, not to express frustration or anger.
- Report aggressive drivers. If you feel threatened by another driver’s behavior, it’s appropriate to report them to law enforcement. Make sure to provide a description of the vehicle and the license plate number, if possible, but only do so if you can safely make the call or have a passenger who can do it for you.
- Practice defensive driving. Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers. This proactive approach can help you avoid potential conflicts on the road.
- Consider a dashboard camera. Installing a dashboard camera can provide evidence in case of an incident. It can also encourage more responsible driving from those aware they’re being recorded.
- Reflect on your driving habits. Sometimes, we may unknowingly contribute to road rage situations. Reflect on your driving habits and ensure you’re not inadvertently aggravating other drivers.
- Seek alternate routes if necessary. If you frequently encounter aggressive drivers on a particular route, consider finding an alternative. Sometimes, a slightly longer route with less traffic can lead to a more peaceful and safer driving experience.
What Happens if Road Rage Causes a Crash?
If road rage causes a collision, you need to involve law enforcement officials immediately. Do not put yourself in any danger with others involved. If another driver’s road rage caused the crash, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses.
These claims can be complicated, particularly if they devolve into “he said, she said” types of claims. We encourage you to involve a skilled Sacramento car accident lawyer who has experience handling these situations. An attorney can investigate the case, uncover the truth of what happened, and help you recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.