What You Need to Know about Road Rage

Road Ragers: almost every driver in Ohio has seen one at some point or another. They drive erratically and aggressively, and they sometimes even attempt to incite direct confrontations with other motorists. Road rage is a serious issue in America with dire consequences. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that fatal road rage accidents have increased from 80 deaths in 2006 to 467 in 2015.

Stress levels are increasing throughout Ohio and the country every year, and that means more and more drivers are prone to road rage. Although it’s not as commonly reported as other safety epidemics like drunk and distracted driving, road rage is a significant problem that can result in serious injuries and even deaths. To reduce your risk of being involved in a road rage accident requires understanding both sides of the problem.

Keep an Eye Out for These Signs of Road Rage

It’s important to be able to spot people experiencing road rage and deal with the situation as quickly and calmly as possible. The next time you’re driving and spot an erratic driver, keep an eye out for the following behaviors, as they could be indicative of road rage:

• Speeding—Exceeding the speed limit isn’t always a sign of road rage, but it often accompanies other road rage behaviors. If you notice a driver who is clearly speeding approaching you from behind, turn on your blinker and change lanes as soon as it’s safe to do so.
• Tailgating—If a driver follows you too closely, it may be because they’re impatient, wanting to pass, and beginning to feel road rage. Never antagonize tailgating drivers or force them to stay behind you. Instead, change lanes when you get an opening and allow them to pass.
• Honking—Drivers with road rage may express their anger and frustration through their vehicles’ horns. Car horns are effective at getting the attention of other drivers, but they can also be used aggressively and maliciously. If another driver honks at you due to anger, simply ignore them.
• Staring or gesturing—Angry drivers may stare at other drivers or gesture wildly and obscenely to get their attention. Never interact with a driver like this. Instead, keep your focus on the road ahead, and consider changing lanes or taking an alternate route.
• Ramming—Although they represent only around 3% of road rage incidents, angry drivers may intentionally cause accidents by ramming their vehicles into other cars, trucks, and SUVs. If you’re a victim of an intentional crash, lock your doors, call 911, and stay inside your vehicle until the police arrive.

Follow These Tips to Avoid Road Rage

Feeling impatience, frustration, and even anger are common reactions to many driving stressors, including traffic jams and inconsiderate drivers who cause you to run late. But letting your emotions get the best of you can significantly increase your chances of being involved in a crash. Stay cool, calm, and collected behind the wheel this year by following these tips:

• Leave home early—Whether you’re driving to work, an appointment, or starting a multi-hour or day long trip, you want to arrive on time. Being in a race against the clock is sure to put anyone in a bad mood, so don’t risk it—leave early and give yourself plenty of time instead.
• Get enough rest before driving—If you’re like most people, you’re more prone to being cranky and have a shorter fuse when you’re sleep deprived or exhausted. Studies show that irritability drops and agreeability increases when people are well rested, so be sure to get 8 hours of sleep a night.
• Choose your music wisely—If you’re a fan of aggressive speed metal, you may want to reconsider your driving music. Studies show that music with a fast tempo can impact your mood and even your behavior for the worse while you’re driving, making you more prone to mistakes and anger.

Road Rage Accident? We’ve Got Your Back.

At Nurenberg Paris, we don’t let negligent drivers off the hook when their carelessness causes innocent people to suffer serious injuries and rack up expensive medical bills. The same is true for drivers who let their emotions get the best of them and recklessly endanger and injure others due to road rage.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a road rage accident, you deserve maximum compensation for your crash-related expenses. Trust our experienced legal team to collect evidence that proves the other driver’s negligence, calculate your total accident-related damages, and work hard to get you the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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