Traffic is a pain. No one enjoys being stuck in a long row of cars with no knowing how long the jam will last. While it is frustrating for a typical 30-minute drive to take an hour or more, it is crucial to remain calm. Road rage is real, and it is responsible for many accidents throughout the year. In fact, many road rage incidents result in severe and even life-threatening injuries. Do not become a statistic. Instead, focus on the four things you can do to avoid a road rage accident.
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Travel Time
Most people get angry in traffic because they are running late. The key to avoiding such frustration is to give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go. If you know morning traffic will likely add twenty minutes to your drive, then leave at least thirty minutes early, which will give you an extra ten-minute cushion. You can also try leaving even earlier to avoid the morning or evening rush. Perhaps your boss will allow you to come into work an hour early so you can go before rush hour at the end of the day.
2. Do Not Engage With Aggressive Drivers
Suppose you are not one to get angry while driving, surely you have seen angry drivers. Do not engage. It is best to avoid eye contact. If you do not respond, they may calm down or speed ahead, allowing the situation to calm down without any further interaction. Remember that most often, the angry driver is reacting to their frustration and nothing you have done.
3. Pretend You Do Not Have a Horn
Do not use your horn. Be polite. The horn is not a tool for you to let off steam. By using the car horn too much, it is easy to make other drivers angry, especially when in heavy traffic.
4. Do Not Go Home
If an angry driver is following you, then do not go home. You do not want a situation to escalate at your home. Instead, remain calm and in control of your vehicle. If you have a passenger or a hands-free option, call the police and let them know where you are. Go to the nearest police station and allow authorities to handle the matter.
Most instances of road rage are avoidable with patience and respect, but sometimes accidents occur. Get in touch with a car accident lawyer, like the offices of MartinWren, P.C., to learn more.
