Road rage is a common problem that can lead to serious accidents. When drivers give in to it, they may display aggression towards other drivers, break traffic laws and try to perform unsafe driving maneuvers.
When you encounter an aggressive driver, avoiding certain actions can help keep the roads safer for you and other drivers.
Engaging with the driver
Aggressive drivers may taunt you with rude gestures or inflammatory statements. It is important not to respond in kind since this may only enrage them further. If possible, avoid making contact with them at all because they may assume you are an aggressor and take it as an excuse to escalate.
Driving too close to the driver
Maintain more distance than you normally would between you and the aggressive driver. This will give you more time to react and potentially avoid a wreck if he or she suddenly stops or swerves.
Pulling over if followed
In some cases, aggressive drivers may even follow you. If so, or if they are driving dangerously, report them to the police. Keep driving until you reach a safe location, such as a police station, and when you pull over do not exit the vehicle until the driver leaves or passes by, or the police say it is okay; there have been cases where aggressive drivers assaulted others.
Drivers in the throes of road rage do not always think or act rationally. As a result. they drive erratically and pose a hazard to themselves and others, but remaining calm and driving defensively around them can help reduce your chance of becoming involved in an accident.