Road rage is defined as anger or aggression by a driver. This can take the form of yelling at others, honking continuously and unnecessarily, or making rude gestures at other drivers or pedestrians. There are numerous reasons why a driver may react like this, and we’d like to give you some advice on how to avoid this behavior when you drive in College Park, MD.
Get Out of Their Way
This is one of the most effective ways to counter a driver that seems to be exhibiting aggressive behavior. You’ll be able to spot such a driver relatively easily. They may be weaving in and out of different lanes or yelling and gesturing at others as they drive. While you’re not responsible for their aggressive behavior, the most important reaction you can have is to avoid them ASAP.
If you’re faced with an aggressive tailgating driver, check your mirrors and the view ahead and see if you can change lanes to avoid them. Use your turn signals and shift into another lane as soon as you safely can. If you do this, the aggressive driver will likely speed ahead in the lane you were in and leave you behind. Once the aggressive driver has gone, shift back into your previous lane if needed.
Don’t Make Eye Contact
Aggressive drivers are behaving emotionally rather than rationally. This means that simply making eye contact with them can be seen as a judgment or a challenge. The aggressive driver is looking for a reason to react angrily, and to keep the situation calm, don’t give them a sign that they can take as aggressive.
An aggressive driver can, irrationally, believe that you are a threat to them. While this reaction may not make sense, if you ignore them, they will look elsewhere for an outlet for their emotions. If you do this, you should be able to keep yourself, your passengers, and your car safe from harm and arrive at your destination safely. It’s never worth a confrontation with an angry and aggressive driver.
Report Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive drivers are a danger to other road users and themselves. Don’t attempt to interfere with an aggressive driver, as this may increase their aggression, and they could react with violent behavior. If you can, note the make, model, and color of their vehicle and their license plate number. As soon as you’re able to, call #77 from your cellphone and report this information to the authorities.
An aggressive driver may go on to cause an accident that can hurt others. When you inform the authorities, you are performing a public service. The police are trained and equipped to deal with aggressive drivers, and they will prevent this driver from causing further harm. The experience of being confronted by the police may cure this dangerous driver of future bad behavior.
Staying safe on the roads in College Park, MD, is essential, and we are here to offer you helpful advice to make it easy! Read more of our automotive tips & tricks from DARCARS Nissan of College Park today!
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