How To Avoid Road Rage: Effective Tips For Driving Dads

Road accidents are often talked about. But do you know what isn’t? Road rage!

Road rage is prevalent in the United States and many countries worldwide. According to SafeMotorist, it's associated with 12,610 injuries and 218 murders over seven years in the US.

While road rage is common with both genders, studies indicate that men are more likely than women to get involved in road rage incidents.

If you are a dad, we have put together a few tips on dealing with this aggressive behavior.

What is Road Rage?

Road rage is explosive anger of violence between drivers. And it's a result of unfavorable driving conditions.

The nicest and most relaxed person you know can unexpectedly become the victim of road rage or even exhibit unruly behaviors themselves.

The worst part? Not all road rage accidents end in minor injuries or fender benders. Some end with the death of one or both parties.

Road rage can happen to anyone, so it’s important you practice safe driving habits and, most importantly, keep emotions in check.

How to prevent your own road rage?

1. Put your road rage in check:

Don't act out on your rage when a fellow driver cuts you off annoyingly. You'll be adding fuel to the fire. It all begins with reacting in a small way, then the other driver reciprocates, and things escalate. It's better you put your road rage in check, so no one gets hurt. 

2. Be a defensive driver.

There is a possibility that a driver is having a bad day, has somewhere to rush to, or is driving under the influence. If you drive defensively, you can protect yourself and avoid adding to the individual’s misfortune or bad day. 

3. Don’t look at other drivers.

Making strange or prolonged eye contact with a fellow driver could trigger road rage. So you should keep your eyes on the road. And if you must stare, do it without coming off as annoying.

Did a driver gesture? Did he yell at you? Don’t react. Just ignore.

4. Avoid annoying driving habits.

Tailgating, cutting people off, honking unnecessarily, and other bad driving habits might make other drivers angry, thus resulting in road rage. Try to avoid these habits, and you won't have to worry about abuse, aggressive driving, or physical violence from other drivers.

How to deal with being a victim of road rage.

1. Remain calm:

Did a driver cut you off? Stay calm. Did a driver tailgate you? Stay calm. Regardless of the bad driving habit a driver exhibits, remain calm. Reacting will only worsen the situation. 

2. Call 911 in case of an accident.

Road rage could result in accidents. Should that happen, you want to ensure that the instigator is responsible for the damages caused. First, check if you sustained any injury. 

You should also get yourself to safety, contact the police, gather evidence, reach out to your insurance company, and seek medical attention (if injured). You can also contact car accident law services. They'll walk you through your legal options and help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

3. Pretend like you are making a call.

Is a driver acting unruly towards you? Or is the individual exhibiting signs of road rage? Place your cell phone to your ear and act like you are talking to someone. The aggressor will think you are calling the police. You can also call the police to fill them in on your situation. But don’t get your eyes off the road.

4. Collect enough information

Were you the victim of a road rage incident? You may want to pay attention to the following details of the aggressor. Try to capture the individuals:

• Car model

• Car color

• License plate number

You can take pictures with your cell phone and record whatever is going on as it ensues.

5. Don't go home directly.

Did a driver try to hit you due to road rage? Did the individual hurl insults at you? You shouldn't lead such an individual to your house. They may return to complete their unfinished business.

Instead, take a detour. Drive around and take a different route to mislead the individual, especially if they try to tail you. Alternatively, drive to a populated area or a police station for safety.

Conclusion

Like accidents, it's impossible to predict road rage. However, there is a lot you can do to ensure that you aren't at the receiving end of road rage or the instigator of this unruly behavior.

You must keep your emotions in check, especially as a dad eager to lead by example. Ensure you call the police in an intense road rage situation.