Road rage is becoming a major issue. With a 500% increase in road rage instances of the last 10 years, it’s likely that you’ve either experienced it yourself or have seen someone else fall victim to an angry driver. A road rage situation can be scary. Having a stranger angry at you can cause a lot of concern. Specifically, you don’t know what they’re capable of, and ending the situation as soon as possible is your best course of action. Here are some tips to help you know what to do in a road rage situation.
Don’t Engage The Conflict
Conflict almost always breeds more anger. When has screaming at an angry person ever calmed them down? Here are some practical ways to avoid engaging in conflict with an angry driver on the road.
Don’t Antagonize The Other Driver
Another driver’s anger will quickly escalate if you do anything to antagonize them. For example, if they’re angry because you accidentally (or intentionally) cut them off, don’t slow down to make them even angrier. The road is not a good place to “teach someone a lesson”.
Let The Driver Pass You
A great way to avoid conflict is to let the other driver pass you and go along their merry way. Rather than boxing them in or slowing down, get into another lane and let them go past you. Removing yourself from the situation is one of the best ways to avoid conflict altogether.
Avoid Direct Eye Contact
Direct eye contact can be perceived as a challenge, especially to someone who is already worked up and angry. If the enraged driver is passing you, avoid giving them the stare-down. Keep your eyes forward and on the road.
Stay In Your Vehicle
Depending on the situation, you may find yourself stuck at a stoplight with the other driver. If this happens the other driver may step out of their vehicle and approach yours. If this happens, do NOT get out of your vehicle. Keep your doors locked and your windows rolled up. If things escalate or you feel threatened, call 911 and explain the situation to them.
Don’t Go Home
There have been reports of angry drivers following people home and attacking them, or coming back at a later date. If you’re dealing with a road rage situation, and the other driver is following you or riding your bumper, do not go home, even if that was where you were headed. If someone is angry with you, it’s better they don’t know where you live. Drive around for a bit until they’re no longer behind you.
Find A Safe Place To Park
If you can’t go home, or the driver is acting dangerously on the road, look for a safe place to park. Avoid poorly lit areas or places out of the way. Look for places with immediate help and access to other people such as a police station, fire department, auto shop, etc. A driver is less likely to engage in conflict if there are a lot of people around. Finding a safe place to park and wait is a good way to defuse the situation until the driver leaves and you don’t have to worry about them anymore.
Call For Help
If the angry driver is giving you a lot of cause for concern, it may be a good idea to call for help. Depending on where you are and where you’re going, consider calling one of the following people.
Calling 911
If the situation seems serious, or the angry driver flashes a weapon, call 911 immediately. Explain to the operator what is happening by exaggerating the details. Let them know what you’re driving, where you are, and where you’re headed. If possible, try and get the license plate of the angry driver as this is all information that will be useful to the officer who comes to help defuse the situation.
Calling Your Work
Sometimes angry drivers may follow you around. If you’re driving to work, consider calling your boss on the way and explaining the situation. Ask if your boss or the security team can meet you in the parking lot to help de-escalate any potential problems before they get out of hand. A lot of times, a driver with road rage isn’t thinking clearly and will back down if there are more people they have to deal with.
De-Escalating The Situation
Whether you’re at fault or not, try to de-escalate the situation by following these tips.
Apologize
Sometimes, the other driver just wants you to acknowledge you messed up. Whether you tried to merge while they were in your blind spot, or cut them off at an exit, mouthing “I’m sorry” through your window can go a long way to help defuse the other driver’s anger.
Let The Other Driver Come Out On Top
Swallow your pride and let the other driver come out on top. For example, if you cut them off and now they’re trying furiously to pass you, let them. Engaging in races to see who can get ahead will cause more problems. At the end of the day, your safety is far more important than a petty competition with an angry stranger.
Stay Calm
In road rage situations it’s easy to get worked up and panic. Try to remember to stay calm. Try counting to 10 while breathing deeply. Remember that you’re not responsible for the actions of others and that they aren’t a reflection of you as a person. Staying calm in situations like road rage will help keep you in control while someone else has lost theirs.
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