The media spend a great deal of time discussing drinking and driving and distracted driving, and rightfully so. But there are other ways a motorist can behave with negligent disregard for public safety. Road rage is a good example.
Road rage is a term for a motorist who loses his or her temper while behind the wheel and begins driving aggressively and recklessly. Often, they target another driver who they perceive has “wronged” them, such as by cutting them off.
To get their revenge, an enraged driver may tailgate their target, weave through traffic and speed through lights. They may lean on their horn and flash their headlights in order to frighten their victim. Alternatively, a road raging driver may get in front of their target, then deliberately drive too slow to “teach them a lesson.”
You cannot control the mood of others on the road, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of your getting into a road rage crash. These tips come from the Washington State Patrol, but easily apply to driving in Philadelphia:
- Control your own temper by giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Make sure you are comfortable, and listen to soothing music if necessary. Remind yourself that you cannot control how bad the traffic is, but you can determine your reaction to it.
- If you encounter an angry driver, avoid eye contact or making aggressive hand gestures. Try not to get goaded into a confrontation; it takes two to fight.
- If a driver is frightening you, call 911 on your cellphone, or go to a public place to get help. WSP does not recommend pulling over to the side of the road.
Driving aggressively raises the chances of a serious wreck. Victims may be laid up for weeks, months or years with their injuries. To pay for their losses, as well as pain and suffering, they can pursue damages in a civil suit.