How to Handle Road Rage Drivers

There are a lot of people that drive in the Dallas area.  With that traffic comes frustrations and often road rage.  Regardless of what time of day, tempers can flare, and road rage accidents become fatal.

Some of the deadliest roads in Texas intersect in the DFW area.  And as populations continue to climb, traffic will increase, and tensions will run high.

Road Rage Accidents Occur Most Often at Rush Hour

At the end of a long day, most people just want to get home and relax.  They’re probably hungry, stressed, and need to put their feet up for a bit.

But when you’re stuck in rush hour traffic, it takes a whole lot of patience to wait for what seems like FOR-EV-ER to get home.  That irritation can quickly change to anger if another motorist, in just as much of a hurry, cuts you off.

Now imagine you’re the other driver. You’re cool, calm, and collected.  You see a small gap in traffic so you squeeze your way in.  Now, Mr. I’m-on-the-verge-of-snapping finally snaps.  He’s right on your bumper, you see some interesting hand gestures, and you can see that he’s screaming at you.

Aggressive driving is actually a punishable offense, and according to the Texas Department of Transportation, drivers can be fined $200 and could end up in jail if they commit moving violations with aggressive driving.

But we don’t want it to get there.  If a road rage accident happens, you could end up hurt, or dead.  Unfortunately stories of road rage ending in shootings have become more and more common; including this one from July 2021 in Irving.

How to Deal with a Road Raging Driver

Obviously, we don’t want things to get to that point.  Some people are just angry people, but most of the time, you can de-escalate a situation before a car accident occurs, or before someone gets mad enough to start shooting at you.

The Texas Department of Transportation has listed a few tips on how you can avoid, minimize, or de-escalate when road rage happens:

• Stay calm. Keep your emotions in check.
• Plan ahead and anticipate delays.
• Focus on your own driving. Be cautious and considerate.
• Avoid creating a situation that may cause provocation.
• Give angry drivers plenty of room.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Use the left lane only when passing.
• Use your horn sparingly.
• Don’t tailgate or flash your lights behind someone.
• Don’t yell obscenities or make inappropriate hand gestures, and don’t respond to drivers who do.
• If you’re concerned for your safety, call 911.

After a Road Rage Accident you Need a Car Crash Attorney in Dallas

Road rage leads to a lot of accidents every year.  The Zebra compiled some stats that show there are over 12,000 injuries and over 200 murders each year that are the result of road rage.

If you are involved in one of them, you need to know your rights!

With the help of a car crash attorney, like Herbert Law Group, you can receive the compensation that you deserve, in order to help you fully heal from your injuries.

Involved in a road rage accident?  Call us at 214-414-3808 or simply fill out the contact form and we will be in touch.