Preventing Road Rage Incidents
Fox 13 News recently reported that Florida Highway Patrol troopers are searching for a driver who allegedly used his car as a battering ram in an apparent road rage incident at a toll booth. The victim has asserted that the conflict began at a toll booth on County Highway 589 on a recent Friday afternoon after the driver behind her apparently grew impatient as she tried to count her change. The driver of the bright yellow Volkswagen Beetle reportedly rammed into her after the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, paid her toll and began merging back into traffic. The victim called 911 before pulling up behind him to get a license plate number when she spotted him a few minutes later at a gas station. At that point, witnesses watched as the driver started yelling at the victim and then rammed her car two more times. Authorities have identified the owner of the car based on its license plate registration, but troopers have not been able to track down the driver.
What Are Ways to Prevent Road Rage?
According to a 2016 report published by the American Automobile Association, almost eighty percent of drivers self-reported experiencing significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel. However, it is imperative that every driver understands that road rage is often a result of an incident that happened somewhere else and typically does not originate with the driver who becomes a victim of it. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to help improve the chances of keeping yourself and the drivers around you safe on the road.
- Always try to remain calm while driving
- Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination
- Do not provoke another driver who is driving aggressively
- Refrain from making rude gestures or prolonged eye contact with other drivers
- Leave a good amount of space between you and other vehicles
- Do not remain in the left lane when other drivers are attempting to pass
What Should You Do if Confronted in a Road Rage Situation?
Despite your best efforts to avoid one, the reality of the world today is that road rage situations are not uncommon and not completely avoidable. The good news is that if you ever find yourself in that situation, knowing how to react can determine whether the situation escalates. If you are confronted in a road rage situation:
- Do not respond to taunting
- Remain in your vehicle
- Keep moving and try to escape
- If you cannot escape, try to get the license plate number of the other vehicle
- If you are involved in an accident, call 9-1-1
Don’t Get Mad. Get Legal Help.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a driver with road rage, you need help from someone who can explain your legal options and help you hold the responsible parties accountable. As the Tampa car accident attorneys at the Pendas Law Firm, you can depend on us to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today to begin.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Bradenton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
newsroom.aaa.com/2016/07/nearly-80-percent-of-drivers-express-significant-anger-aggression-or-road-rage/
https://www.pendaslaw.com/the-potential-tragedies-of-charter-bus-accidents/