Road rage refers to aggressive and sometimes violent driving behavior. It typically stems from stress, and this stress can be caused by traffic or non-driving factors. Road rage can manifest in different ways depending on the driver. It could be severe speeding or illegal maneuvers like driving on the shoulder of the highway to get away from an inconvenient situation. Some road ragers may even scream at other drivers or aggressively tailgate them. Any of these scenarios have high potential to cause an auto accident. If you’ve been involved in a collision or wreck due to an aggressive driver, our New Haven, CT car accident lawyer at Nugent & Bryant can help you seek financial compensation.
The only things you have control over on the roads is your vehicle and your temper. If you spot signs of road rage in another driver, you should do what you can to remove yourself from the area. You can’t predict what will happen, but you can take action to protect yourself and anyone else in your vehicle. Here are some examples of what to watch out for:
Aggressive Driving Maneuvers
Perhaps the clearest sign of road rage is extreme aggressive driving. This could include extreme speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, and cutting off other drivers. If you notice someone doing any of these things, do not engage. Road rage has a way of snowballing. Once one driver starts acting aggressively, it’s common for another to try and “teach them a lesson” by one-upping or countering their dangerous driving behaviors. To avoid being caught in the crossfire, it’s best to keep your distance and stay calm.
Excessive Honking And Gestures
Honking is a key way we communicate with each other on the road, but when someone’s laying down their horn at an excessive or prolonged rate, it typically means they’re not in a great mood and they don’t care who hears about it. If you don’t detect any emergency situation around you but hear aggressive honking, it’s best to keep your distance from the source of the noise.
Similarly, excessive hand gestures, yelling, or any signs of visible anger from another driver should tell you that that person is not in control of their emotions and not considering anyone on the road but themselves.
Chasing Or Bullying Another Car
On the road, we often have to make quick decisions. We do the best we can, and sometimes what’s safest isn’t always convenient for the drivers around us.
For example, when vehicles are trying to merge onto the highway, it’s best practice to make room for them in the merge lane. Oftentimes that means we have to get over into another lane and cause someone else to slow down. It’s a common scenario, but depending on the person or what kind of day they’re having, it could set them over the edge.
Some drivers take their frustration too far by chasing a car whose driver made them mad. They may follow them closely for several miles or do other things like blocking them from changing lanes or merging when they need to. If someone follows you, don’t go home or to an isolated area. Instead, go to a public place. Use your best judgment and contact the authorities if you feel threatened.
What To Do When You Encounter A Driver With Road Rage
If you feel targeted by a road raging or aggressive driver, the best response is to stay calm and avoid making the situation worse. Try to not make eye contact, engage in arguments, or return any inappropriate gestures.
Give them space. Change lanes if possible. Exit the highway. Turn down a different street. Continue driving safely. Any of these are smart actions to take to protect yourself, your vehicles, and anyone else who’s in your car.
If you feel threatened, call the police and provide details about the vehicle and driver. If you notice another vehicle being targeted by a road rager, take the same precautions; keep your distance, take note of the vehicle/driver details, and call the police if necessary. If you witness an accident occur, find a safe place to stop and prepare to provide an account of what you saw.
Involved In An Accident? We’re Here To Help.
If you get into an accident because of an aggressive motorist, it’s important to know what to do next. Report the accident, take pictures and notes on the accident, seek medical attention, and contact your attorney. At Nugent & Bryant, we represent car accident victims in New Haven and across the state of Connecticut. If you’ve been hurt because of a reckless driver, we’re here to help you seek justice. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about our attorneys and our passion to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
