Idaho Law Blog
Deadly road rage accidents can happen at any time. Responsible residents everywhere wonder what they can do to curb road rage. To make our roads safer and reduce road rage, there are a couple of situations we need to recognize: first, we need to be mindful of our own aggressive driving behaviors and second, we need to recognize aggressive driving by those around us.
Recognizing the aggressive driver in You
The first thing one needs to do to reduce road rage is to look at yourself and your driving habits. Recognize those things in your own driving that may anger others and do your best to correct them. Some of the most common driving behaviors include cutting off other drivers, tailgating (following too close), driving well below the speed limit especially if you are in the “fast lane”, angry gesturing, and honking.
In addition to aggressive behaviors, consider other driving habits that may anger others. Some of these habits may include failing to signal lane changes, driving while distracted, and keeping your high beams on. Be mindful and focus on the task at hand. Being courteous in these ways will reduce stress for all drivers.
You can remove these behaviors from your driving by paying attention to what you are doing at any given moment. Give yourself goals to improve your driving. These might include starting early for your destination, staying two car lengths behind the driver in front of you, and signaling your lane changes. These will cut down on stress to yourself as well as those around you.
Self assessment can be difficult, but it can save you headaches in the long run and make you a better, safer driver in the process.
RECOGNIZING OTHER AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS
The same aggressive driving behaviors previously mentioned can be signs of an aggressive driver. The last thing you want is to escalate such an encounter into a road rage situation where your or someone else gets hurt. The answer is to de-escalate these encounters and get yourself safely out of harm’s way.
If a driver is making you uncomfortable because they are gesturing at you, tailgating you, yelling at you, or exhibiting aggressive behaviors, don’t make eye contact. If they are trying to pass you, let them pass. Winning isn’t worth it. Don’t engage the other driver in any way, just do your best to stay out of the way.
If you believe you are being followed, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital, or store and call for help. Don’t get out of your car and never pull over to the side of the road to talk things out. It just isn’t safe.
This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You need to contact a lawyer for advice on specific legal issues.