Keep Your Cool: Dealing With a Road Rage Driver

The stress of driving gets to everyone eventually. Gridlock traffic, running late to work again, or trying to catch a flight all create stress behind the wheel. That stress can lead to bad driving habits and even road rage. Here’s a list of five things you should do if you encounter a road rage driver.

Don’t Become a Road Rage Driver

Don’t get behind the wheel if you’re already upset. Take a moment to calm down. If you find yourself getting upset while already driving, put on some soothing music.

Remind yourself that the road is for everyone, not just you. Also, try to envision that other drivers who might be upsetting you may have a good reason. For example, imagine that the driver who cut you off is distracted by a family emergency.

Resist the urge to shout, honk, or make obscene gestures at other drivers who upset you. Such behavior doesn’t help you in any way, and it may even incite road rage in the other driver.

Take the High Road

If you encounter a road rage driver honking, shouting, or worse, the best course of action is to apologize. Mouth the words “I’m sorry,” and wave a friendly gesture.

Pull Over to a Safe Place

If you encounter a road rage driver, get out of their way quickly. Sometimes, a road rage driver may follow you closely, perhaps even with the intent to cause you harm. If you get off the road, be sure to do so in a safe place.

A busy parking lot is a good idea, but don’t leave yourself in a spot where you can’t get out. People watching still may not prevent a road rage driver from attempting to harm you. If you can get a bystander’s attention, tell them you’re afraid and ask them to call for help.

Call the Police

The reality is that a road rage driver is not acting like they normally would. They are in a heightened state of aggressiveness, bordering on irrational. It’s risky to confront such a person, as they may act in an unexpected or dangerous way.

Leave confrontation to the police. Call the police while you are driving, and give them all the information they need to find you and the road rage driver. Don’t pull over, and if you find yourself stuck in traffic, do not trap yourself between the road rage driver, and the vehicle in front of you.

Protect Yourself

If you find yourself confronted by a road rage driver, make sure you lock your doors. Always leave enough space to pull out between you and the car you are following. If the road rage driver persists in harassing you, correct your course and head in the opposite direction. If changing course doesn’t work, drive to the nearest police station.

Road rage affects all types of people. Recognizing it early and diffusing it when possible are the best ways to deal with it. Use these tips to be safe if you encounter a road rage driver.

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