More often than not, we see aggressive behaviors happening on the street. Sometimes, we’re the ones initiating those kinds of behaviors. Aggressive driving and road rage are two different things. The former are behaviors we initiate that lead to road rage.
These behaviors are considered aggressive driving. Road rage happens when the alteration between two drivers escalates. Some examples are cursing, physical violence, item-throwing, and even car damage. Sometimes, it’s hard to avoid these kinds of behaviors when we’re on the road, especially if we have a bad temper. So, if you are involved in a road rage incident, it’s crucial to remember that you stay calm and composed rather than fighting back.
This article will give you tips and bits of advice on what to do if you are involved in a road rage incident. In addition, we will provide you with the signs and what you need to do when the situation gets worse before contacting a Atlanta car injury lawyer.
Table of Contents
How Common Are Aggressive Driving Behaviors?
Aggressive driving happens everywhere, but it doesn’t always look like it. Here are some common examples of aggressive driving behaviors:
Moving past the speed limit
A driver might move up to the speed limit and then suddenly accelerate. This could mean he/she wants to pass another vehicle. Or maybe he/she just likes speeding. Either way, moving past the speed limit without signaling is considered aggressive driving behavior.
Lane changing
If a driver makes sudden and unexpected lane changes, it usually indicates that he/she does not know where he/she is going. Speeding up to make a turn or passing someone else in traffic is another example of aggressive driving behavior.
Tailgating
This one is pretty obvious. If a driver tailgates another vehicle too closely, it usually means he/she is trying to intimidate him/her. Drivers often use aggressive driving behaviors because they feel threatened.
How to Know When Road Rage Is Occurring?
Road rage happens every day. Even though we know it’s wrong, some people still do it. We all experience road rage at one point or another. But what exactly does road rage mean? And how do we recognize it?
There are many different types of road rage, but there are three main categories: verbal abuse, physical aggression, and inappropriate behavior. Verbal abuse includes yelling at someone, swearing, and making threats toward the person. Physical aggression is anything from hitting someone to throwing things at them. Inappropriate behavior includes intentionally tailgating, following too closely, or cutting someone off.
You might think that road rage only occurs behind the wheel, but it actually takes place anywhere. For example, road rage can happen in parking lots, while waiting in lines, and even at restaurants.
What To Do During A Road Rage Crash?
Road rage incidents happen every day across America. While many people don’t like to admit it, there are certain things we can do to avoid getting into one. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during a road rage crash:
- Do not make eye contact – Avoiding eye contact is probably the most important tip here because it helps to defuse the situation.
- Keep calm – Keep yourself composed and try to remain calm. This is usually easier said than done, especially if you’re angry about being cut off or someone cutting you off. But try to remain calm and collected.
- Lock the doors – Make sure that your doors are locked, even if you think the other person won’t bother trying anything. Never assume that the other driver isn’t capable of doing something.
- Raise your window – Raise your window and ask the other driver what happened. You want to know why they pulled over and whether they’re okay.
- Stay away – Stay far enough away that you aren’t tempted to engage in a physical altercation. Don’t approach the other vehicle unless you’ve been asked to do so.
- Call 911 – Call the police immediately. They might be able to help you figure out how to resolve the issue without having to resort to violence.
After a road rage incident occurs, it’s important to stay safe and call the authorities. There are laws against road rage and reckless driving, and there are consequences for breaking those laws.
What To Do After A Road Rage Incident?
Road rage incidents happen every day, and most people don’t even realize what they could do to help someone else out. If you’re involved in a road rage incident, here are some things you can do to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Get a copy of your police report. This document contains important information about the incident including names, addresses, contact numbers, insurance companies, etc. Don’t forget to keep a copy of this document.
- Contact your car insurance provider immediately. Make sure you provide them with all the information they require to process your claim.
- Take pictures of the damage done to your vehicle and/or your personal belongings. Keep copies of these photos.
- Call your attorney or legal representative to discuss how to proceed. Your lawyer will advise you whether or not you want to pursue a lawsuit against the person responsible for the road rage incident. They will also inform you whether or not you qualify for compensation under the law.
- File a complaint with the local police department. In addition to filing a complaint with the police, you may also wish to file a civil suit against the driver who caused the accident.
- Collect medical bills and records related to the accident.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you find yourself involved in a car accident involving road rage, here are some steps you should take to ensure your safety and avoid any legal trouble. First, call 911 immediately. Next, check to see if anyone else was injured in the crash. Then, look around for anything that could have caused the collision, such as debris from another vehicle or even a loose piece of clothing. Finally, note down everything you remember about the driver, including their license plate number and description. This information will come in handy when filing a police report.
