More often than not, we see aggressive behaviors happening on the street. Sometimes, we’re the ones initiating those kinds of behaviors. Aggressive driving and road rage are two different things. The former are behaviors we initiate that lead to road rage. For example:

  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Improper Lane Usage

These behaviors are considered aggressive driving. Road rage happens when the alteration between two drivers escalates. Some examples are cursing, physical violence, item-throwing, and even car damages. Sometimes, it’s hard to avoid these kinds of behaviors when we’re on the road, especially if we have a bad temper. So, if you are involved in a road rage incident, it’s crucial to remember that you stay calm and composed rather than fighting back. This article will give you tips and bits of advice on what to do if you are involved in a road rage incident. In addition, we will provide you with the signs and what you need to do when the situation gets worse.

 

How Common Are Aggressive Driving Behaviors?

Aggressive driving behaviors happen all the time, wherever you are. However, since there are a lot of things to remember when driving a car, here are some examples of signs that a motorist has aggressive driving behaviors:

  • Moving past the speed limit
  • Sudden and dangerous lane changes
  • Tailgaiting
  • Failing to recognize right of way
  • Dangerously overtaking another vehicle
  • Not following traffic lights and enforcers.

Drivers who engage in these behaviors may have tendencies to start a road rage incident.

 

How to Know When Road Rage Is Occurring?

Every driver (even you) experiences frustration when driving; it’s unavoidable. You can prevent road rage by staying composed, but it usually follows after being aggressive and irritative on the road for most drivers. Road rage is more than just repeatedly honking at the car in front of you or shouting outside of your window. Here are other extreme behaviors of road rage drivers:

  • Verbally attacking and abusing the person
  • Inappropriate actions towards the person
  • Physical violence
  • Intimidation
  • Engaging in a fight
  • Sideswiping other cars or overtaking them at a dangerous speed

Road rage can happen for different reasons. Sometimes, a driver can’t stand slow drivers. Some drivers may have experienced a bad day going home from work. The reason is unknown, but what you experienced shouldn’t be a reason to endanger the lives of others on the road.

 

What To Do During A Road Rage Crash?

Your first goal should be staying put after a crash or an incident. It could be a dangerous move leaving the car, assuming that you have minor bruises and scratches while in heavy traffic. If the other driver gets out of their car and confronts you, be sure to lock the door and raise your windows to ensure your safety. When a road rage incident happens, the critical thing to remember is that you should always STAY CALM and COMPOSED. Here are some other tips to keep you safe during a road rage incident:

  • Do not make eye contact – Avoiding eye contact is the first step to de-escalating the situation with the other driver. If you make eye contact, it’s a message to the driver that you’re fighting back, which might further anger or irritate him to do drastic things to you or your car.
  • Avoid fighting back, verbally or physically – The driver will probably shout and curse at you during a road rage accident. The best thing to do during a road rage incident is to try and stay quiet and avoid talking back. They will eventually stop and give you leeway to compose and fix yourself. However, if the driver dangerously overtakes your car, DO NOT honk at him as this will very much provoke him, causing the road rage incident.
  • Dial 9-1-1 – In a road rage incident, someone will likely get hurt badly, including collateral damage. Immediately call 9-1-1 to help de-escalate and fix the situation.
  • Go to a nearby secured place – The worst-case scenario in a road rage incident is that the driver will consistently pick and follow you until their side wins. To prevent this, go to a nearby mall, police station, or even just a nearby convenience store to convince the driver to stop following you.

 

What To Do After A Road Rage Incident?

First, it’s time to take your claim for compensation for the road rage accident. To prove your claim, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible. These are some ways you can prove your claim:

  • Remember everything that has happened from start to finish and write it down on a piece of paper or your notebook for concrete proof.
  • Coordinate with the local officials to look at the CCTV camera to have live evidence of the road rage incident. You can also ask your witnesses for more proof of who started the incident.
  • It would help if you had also taken pictures of the driver’s license plate so officials can easily track it within their system.

Finally, call a car accident attorney. Your attorney will help you settle things involving road rage. Don’t be afraid. If you hire an attorney, you will be saved from a lot of stress. Accidents are difficult cases to handle alone. It’s better dealt with with the help of a professional.