Aggressive driving is a serious risk on Hollywood and South Florida roads. Aggressive drivers may take risks, may speed and may engage in dangerous and reckless driving. Each year, instances of road rage and aggression lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
While you cannot control how other people deal with the frustrations of driving, there are many ways you can prevent road rage accidents yourself:
- Get help if you’re angry often. If you frequently find yourself getting upset or overreacting, seek help from a doctor or therapist. Anger management can help not only with your driving skills but can also help you out at work and in your interpersonal relationships. If you notice you are not comfortable with your levels of anger or if others in your life tell you that your anger scares them, consider professional assistance.
- Never drive when upset. Everyone gets angry sometimes, but driving when you’re feeling emotional or upset can be a recipe for disaster. When you’re angry, even minor infractions – such as someone cutting you off – can lead to even more rage and can cause your levels of upset to escalate. Being upset when driving can also be very distracting, putting you at risk of collisions. Always wait to calm down before getting behind the wheel if you have been feeling emotional.
- Stay courteous on the road. Courtesy can be one of the best antidotes to road rage. Being polite when driving encourages others to have a positive attitude and can help defuse potential tense situations on the roads.
- Avoid returning rude gestures or words from other drivers. Engaging in standoffs of this kind can lead to heightened aggression and into full-on road rage accidents which can lead to injuries. Ignore drivers who are gesturing or yelling. If they are being threatening, get out of the way and contact police or drive to a police station for help.
- Find healthy ways to vent and let off steam. If you find yourself angry or upset, find healthy ways to cope with stress or aggression. Exercise, deep breathing, meditation and other options can help you before you drive and can help you defuse your stress so you are a safer motorist.
- Avoid tailgating, cutting drivers off, rude gestures and other behavior which can spark a road rage incident. Cutting drivers off or tailgating can bring out aggressive driving in almost anyone. Always leave plenty of space and change lanes while offering other drivers plenty of room. Avoid driving aggressively yourself or making rude gestures. Never shout at other drivers. These types of situations can easily provoke a road rage incident.
- Take care of your physical self. You are more likely to get angry easily if you are tired, hungry, or unwell. Getting adequate rest and eating good food can help you control your emotions and can help keep you in good physical shape for driving.
- Practice empathy on the road. Other drivers may make mistakes on the road. If you see another driver tailgating you or making another mistake, consider giving them the benefit of the doubt. Anyone can have a bad day and showing little sympathy can go a long way towards defusing a potentially dangerous situation.
If you have been injured by an aggressive driver, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. A Hollywood aggressive driving attorney at Flaxman Law Group can help you review your legal options and can help protect you if you have been seriously injured.