Road rage incidents aren’t only dangerous, but many insurance policies refuse to provide coverage for them. Therefore, drivers on the road must understand their risks and take preventive measures, so they don’t cause or become a victim of aggressive driving accidents. Unfortunately, some drivers become extremely aggressive and lose control of their emotions when they are stuck in traffic for long periods. You will notice such instances with regularity on crowded highways.
Even if you were not the victim, when you see other drivers engaged in road rage and losing their cool, it may endanger you and others on the road as well. Most auto insurance policies exempt road rage incidents, which makes this situation worse. Any liability or damage caused by aggressive or dangerous driving isn’t considered an accident but instead is accused of being caused by risky behavior.
Even though road rage isn’t categorized as illegal, it is often accompanied by assault and harassment. So, drivers who are involved in road rage incidents may cause a collision. Since the insurance policy won’t cover the damages, the financial responsibility for the damage will fall on the driver, who may also face criminal charges for their actions.
Therefore, instead of risking the consequences of road rage incidents, one of which could be that your insurer doesn’t pay your auto insurance claim, it’s advised to learn how to avoid costly and dangerous aggressive driving incidents.
What to Do When You Encounter Aggressive Drivers on the Road
Summer season is peak road rage season because the soaring temperatures and more cars on the road provide the perfect environment for drivers to lose their cool. Even the safest drivers can sometimes lose their temper while driving and may be coaxed by the behavior of other drivers to act out. However, you will endanger not only yourself but others on the road if you let road rage take over. Here are some of the steps you should take when you encounter aggressive drivers in traffic:
1. Switch Lanes and Stay Away from Them
It’s better to be safe than sorry, and you don’t want to risk being involved in an accident caused by road rage. Maintain a safe distance from aggressive drivers and slow down to change lanes if possible. Let the driver pass your car and give yourself space to drive away from them.
2. Note their License Plate Number
Instead of getting angry at aggressive drivers, you should note down their license plate number and record a description of their car. You can then report them to the police so that they are aware a dangerous driver is threatening everyone’s safety on the road.
3. Don’t Engage with or Challenge Them
Even if the aggressive driver is rude, you shouldn’t be tempted to get into a fight with them in traffic. It’s best to ignore their behavior and not engage or challenge them in any way. Aggressive drivers are looking for any excuse to let out their anger and frustration, and you shouldn’t do anything to escalate the situation.
4. Put Your Safety First
If you’re caught in the crosshairs of an aggressive driver, it’s vital that you keep calm and don’t panic. Assess the situation and if the aggressive driver has started to follow your car, keep your doors locked and head over to the nearest police station. Don’t stop your car and confront aggressive drivers as they will be looking for a fight and may damage your car or cause you injuries.
What to Do If You’re Losing Your Cool on the Road
Sometimes you can lose your cool and start getting angry behind the wheel at how other drivers drive their cars. It is important to remember that you could also be the one who causes a road rage incident, and no matter how great a driver you think you are, you shouldn’t lose your temper. Here are some of the things you should do if you think you’re losing your cool on the road:
1. Leave Early for Your Destination, So You’re Not Getting Late in Traffic
Most of the time, drivers lose their cool on the road because they are in a hurry and get late in traffic. If you’re not a patient individual and are likely to snap and yell at others in traffic, you could cause a road rage incident. On the other hand, you shouldn’t be aggravated because you left home late and are now unable to reach your destination on time. It’s best to avoid that situation by leaving early so that you’re not late for your appointment or for work, even if you are stuck in traffic.
2. Keep in Mind Other Drivers Aren’t Annoying You Purposely
You should remember that other drivers may be new to driving on the road or in traffic, and people can make mistakes when driving. You may believe that you’re the best driver ever, but you must also look after other drivers on the road. In addition, some people may be driving slowly for a reason; it could be that their vision is impaired by the sun or that they are lost.
3. Never Tailgate Slow Drivers
It’s dangerous to tailgate drivers who are driving slowly in their lane. They may brake suddenly and leave you no time to respond, and you will end up rear-ending their car. In that instance, the accident will be considered your fault, which is why it’s better not to put yourself in such a situation.
4. Don’t Insistently Honk Your Horn
Try not to aggravate other drivers on the road by honking your horn insistently in traffic. Even though it may make you feel better momentarily, it’s not going to make you less frustrated in a traffic jam. It’s not only annoying to other drivers but won’t make anyone go faster than they are moving. Persistent honking also raises stress levels for other drivers and passengers, which results in aggressive behavior and driving in traffic.
Our Final Thoughts
Even though road rage incidents are common and some may be unavoidable, it is best not to confront an aggressive driver. Everyone loses their cool in traffic from time to time, but you should remember that no one is going out of their way to make you angry. Try and keep your cool and relax while driving because your insurance policy won’t cover road rage accidents.