How To It is necessary to respond to a road rage driver.
People have been cut off, slowed traffic, or angered by another driver.A simple mistake can lead to angry and dangerous responses from other drivers.Reducing conflict, calling for help, and de-escalating anger can help protect you from road rage related violence.
Step 1: Don't talk.
If you find yourself in a conflict with another driver, back off and give them some space on the road.Slow down and change your route if the other driver starts to drive recklessly.You don't want to get into a traffic accident with this person.An angry driver is dangerous.They can cause a lot of harm with their car.A driver may be carrying a weapon.In cases of road rage, it is incredibly dangerous to engage in an argument if you don't feel confident that you are in the right.
Step 2: The driver should be allowed to pass.
If you put distance between yourself and the other driver, you can avoid road rage.A buffer between you and the angry driver can be created by letting other cars into your lane.
Step 3: Don't eye contact.
In the midst of a heated exchange, eye contact can lead to anger.The other driver may think eye contact is a personal insult.Keep an eye on the road ahead of you as you allow the other driver to pass.
Step 4: You should stay in your car.
Lock your doors and roll up your windows.There will be a strong barrier between you and the other driver.A buffer can be used to deter or slow an attacker.The other driver may already be angry.It can be dangerous if their anger is displaced.Try to reason with a person who is angry.
Step 5: Don't bring an angry driver to your home.
Do not drive to your home or place of work if you are still moving and the other driver is following you.If you can keep a distance between you and the angry driver, they won't be able to find you.
Step 6: You should seek a safe place.
If you are being chased by another driver, look for a safe place that will get you out of traffic.It's a good idea to have a police station or fire department.If you can't find a parking spot, look for one in a busy shopping center.Don't drive home or into a parking structure.
Step 7: You can call the police.
If road rage poses a danger to you or other drivers, you should call the police department dispatch.Since it can take several minutes for responders to arrive, it's important to call as soon as possible.If road rage is limited to angry gestures, you don't need to call the police.If you are followed or threatened by an angry driver, you should report it.You are the best person to tell the police if the other driver is a danger.Trust your instincts.Ask the local emergency responders the best way to reach you in an emergency if you are regularly in heavy traffic or anticipate being on a congested roadway.It's not the best way to contact police from a cell phone.
Step 8: Give the phone number to the person.
If you get disconnected, give the dispatch your cell phone number.Give them your exact location.
Step 9: Do not exaggerate the situation.
It may be tempting to exaggerate the danger that you face or to downplay your own wrong-doing in a case of road rage.You can be arrested for filing a false police report if you do this, so avoid this course of action.
Step 10: Get the license number.
Police will want a description of the dangerous driver.If you can, have a passenger write down the license number.The vehicle and the driver should be described.As soon as they arrive on the scene, the police need to have accurate descriptions.
Step 11: Your horn and lights will draw attention to you.
It can take time for emergency responders to get to you.They may not be able to reach road rage events on their priority list.Keep yourself safe if you don't think you're getting the attention you need.Use your horn and turn on your hazard lights to get the attention of other drivers.Keeping traffic moving is more important than your safety.
Step 12: Show your remorse.
It is possible that you did nothing wrong, but your priority should be to deescalate the situation rather than sort out blame.I apologize.If the driver approaches you, acknowledge that you were wrong.If their anger is disproportionate or if you don't think you were right, do this.
Step 13: Let the other driver win.
Allowing them to win could bring more problems to a short end.Staying safe is your main goal, not winning an argument.Allow the driver to feel like they have gotten what they wanted by avoiding inflammatory statements.Give up a parking space even if you were first, let the other driver merge into your lane, give more breathing room between your cars, or leave the fast lane even though you are driving at the correct speed.Don't pay attention to insults.The driver may insult you.They are angry and don't really apply to you.When insulted, do not reciprocate.A neutral authority should resolve the conflict.
Step 14: You should calm yourself.
You may be just as angry as the other driver.Before you get into a fight, take some steps to calm your nerves.Count the number of times you inhale to ten.Take a moment to remind yourself of who you are.Think about how you are expected to act.Think about something you are looking forward to.Remember that it will be over soon when you look past the unpleasant moment.
Step 15: Analyze your driving.
You should reexamine the events that took place after you've calmed down.If a specific action helped cause the other driver's anger, determine if you did anything wrong.It doesn't matter who was at fault now that you are safe.If there is something you can do differently next time, you should do it.