How to Avoid Road Rage

Earlier this year, a shocking case of road rage shook up Georgia drivers. Hannah Payne witnessed a minor crash in Clayton County. The driver who allegedly caused the crash, Kenneth Herring, remained at the scene at first but later left it in a disoriented state. Payne pursued Herring and called 911 while doing so. Despite the 911 dispatcher’s instructions to stay safe and leave Herring alone, Payne allegedly followed Herring, boxed in his vehicle and ordered him out of his car. Police say Payne shot Herring after he refused to exit the car.

Unfortunately, disturbing events like the Clayton County case are on the rise across the country. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that almost 80 percent of drivers had “expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the past year.” And The Trace, a nonpartisan newsroom covering firearms, found that road rage incidents involving guns doubled from 2014 to 2017.

With so much potential violence on our roads, what are some ways you can protect yourself?

Ways to avoid road rage

What’s the best way to avoid road rage? Don’t drive aggressively yourself. It can be hard to let things go, especially when another driver is being inconsiderate or worse. But by de-escalating a situation, you’ll be more likely to move past it quickly and reach your destination safely. Most likely, you will soon forget about what frustrated you in the first place.

While on the roadway, always be sure to:

• Use turn signals
• Avoid tailgating or cutting anyone off
• Avoid yelling or gesturing
• Avoid honking in anger

It also helps to simply be more forgiving when someone cuts in front of you or makes a risky maneuver. Don’t take things personally.

What to do if you encounter road rage

Of course, you can be the most courteous, careful driver and still become a victim of road rage. How do you de-escalate a situation with an aggressive driver? And what should you do if you feel you’re seriously in danger?

If you do encounter an aggressive driver:

• Try to disengage. You may want to ignore the driver, avoid eye contact or even depart from your planned route.
• Yield. If another driver is aggressively tailgating you or trying to cut you off, simply give way. Driving isn’t a competition you have to win.
• Don’t pull over or leave your vehicle. By doing so, you give up your chance to leave the situation behind. The other driver may even see your actions as threatening.
• If you’re being followed, don’t stop. Drive to the nearest police station or call 911.

Macon Car Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in an accident involving an aggressive driver, you need a personal injury attorney. The Macon personal injury lawyers at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill know how to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today.