You’re driving on I-95 when you notice the car behind you is flashing its lights and the driver is gesturing wildly. You’re not sure why but they seem pretty angry. Suddenly, that angry driver is riding your tail and honking even more. Now you’re nervous. You try to move over to the slow lane, but end up getting hit on your passenger side by a car you didn’t see in all of the confusion. The enraged driver sees this and speeds away.
Each year, car accidents claim the lives of nearly 40,000 people. Over 65% of those accidents are caused by road rage. Add to that the fact that at least 37% of drivers carry a gun in their car and you have a recipe for disaster. Every year, 30 murders are committed by aggressive drivers.
How can I avoid a road rage accident?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much that you can do to avoid road rage incidents. Sometimes, a driver is in a terrible mood and they are going to take it out on everyone they pass. There are, however, a few things you can do to protect yourself and other drivers.
- Get out of the angry driver’s way. Pullover to the side of the road and let them pass.
- Try to get the license plate number on the aggressive driver’s car.
- Call 911 and report the incident. Chances are the police have received some other calls about the driver as well.
If you are in an accident due to a road rage incident, all of the above applies. You should also accept many medical treatments that are offered when help arrives.
Once the immediate situation is under control, seek legal guidance. You may be able to pursue the driver in court for the damages and bodily harm they have caused.
