Car Accident Attorney
There’s nothing more frustrated than being stuck behind a slow-moving car when you’re late for work or having another vehicle tailgate you even though you’re driving the speed limit. In these situations, it can be easy to exhibit some form of road rage. Even the calmest person on the road is prone to become aggravated after a long day at the office or being on the road for several hours at a time.
However, road rage can culminate in a variety of problems. Problems like breaking the law–such as speeding–getting into an altercation with another driver such as a shouting match, or causing an accident are all potential possibilities. Luckily, there are some tips you can take to minimize or prevent road rage altogether.
- Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Road rage can often occur because a driver is trying to get from point a to b and they may not have a lot of time to do it. Maybe you’re accustomed to arriving to work right on time once you leave the house at a certain time. However, a slow-moving vehicle in front of you with no opportunity for you to pass can throw a wrench in your plan. That’s why giving yourself extra time is always recommended.
- Calm Yourself Down
Sometimes issues like a lot of traffic are unavoidable. While you can’t control road conditions or other drivers, you do have some control over how you act. If you find yourself becoming frustrated or even angry, employ techniques such as:
- Listening to calming music
- Loosening your grip on the steering wheel
- Taking a few deep breaths
- Ensure yourself that you will reach your destination soon
- Let the Other Driver Pass
If a driver is tailgating you for whatever reason, you can simply let them pass you. Being tailgated isn’t worth getting aggravated over.
- Don’t Drive if You’re Not in the Right State of Mind
Sometimes we can take problems in other parts of our life and redirect them to other issues or parties. You may not have anything personally against a slow driver or a driver that forgot to use their turn signal, but when you’re dealing with financial or relationship issues, etc., you might lash out. If emotions are high or you’re drowsy or irritated, it’s probably not a good idea to drive. Not only can these other issues manifest in road rage, but they can escalate into distracted or even aggressive driving.
- Don’t Engage with Another Driver
Sometimes road rage happens because another driver is exhibiting road rage. Whether you made a minor mistake on the road or not, if another driver starts honking their horn at you, screaming obscenities, or flashing unsavory hand gestures, be the grownup and simply ignore them or try to be polite. Chances are they will leave you alone. If they don’t and instead start following you, don’t stop. Instead, keep driving until you locate a police station or an officer.
Car accidents can have a lot of causes and while we often think of drunk driving and bad weather conditions, sometimes even a minor episode of road rage can cause a car accident. If you do find yourself being a victim of a car accident, then you’ll want an experienced car accident attorney on your side. Our friends at Therman Law Offices, LTD can help!