How to Spot and Safely Evade Drivers with Road Rage in Florida

Road rage leads to aggressive driving and aggressive driving leads to car accidents. Many drivers do not realize the risk of driving near someone who has road rage. In fact, more than half of all car accident fatalities involve aggressive drivers. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to notice the signs of road rage and learn the best way to remove yourself from the danger.

What is road rage?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage as a situation where a driver “commits moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passengers of another motor vehicle.” In simpler terms, road rage is when a driver exhibits their frustrations in their driving behavior to produce actions such as speeding, repeatedly honking the horn or tailgating another driver.

How to Identify a Driver with Road Rage

A driver with road rage may be using any number of unsafe driving practices. Below are the most common signs of road rage:

• A driver who is speeding;
• A driver who is weaving in and out of lanes without using proper signals;
• A driver who is continuously honking his or her horn at another driver;
• A driver who has made obscene gestures at another driver;
• A driver who appears to be racing another driver;
• A driver who is tailgating other drivers;
• A driver who is confronting or yelling at another driver;
• A driver who has failed to abide by road signs and regulations;
• A driver who flashes his or her lights at another driver;
• A driver who suddenly breaks, multiple times;
• A driver who is leering or staring at another driver.

How to Safely Avoid Drivers with Road Rage

Once you understand how to spot a driver with road rage, you will need to understand how to “steer clear” of aggressive drivers. In order to be able to identify drivers with road rage, you need to ensure you are constantly aware of your surroundings. The faster you can spot an aggressive driver, the easier it will be to distance yourself from a dangerous situation.

Perhaps the best rule to remember when dealing with aggressive drivers is to simply stay out of their way. If you notice another driver is behaving aggressively or strangely in any way, put as much distance between your car and the aggressor as possible. For example, if another driver is tailgating you, the best thing to do is to move into the right-hand lane and let the driver pass you. This will not only lower your chances of getting into an accident but it may deescalate the other driver’s emotions if he or she is experiencing road rage.

How do I Manage my own Road Rage?

If you are easily angered and frustrated by other drivers on the road, you need to find a way to control your anger while behind the wheel. Below are a few tips to avoid getting angry or frustrated while driving:

• Leave early. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination safely. Be considerate of congested traffic or other situations that might make you late.
• Do not engage. If another driver is visibly experiencing road rage, do not let it anger you. Stay out of their way and move into the right, slower lane of traffic.
• Get plenty of rest. If you know you will be driving somewhere and stuck in a car for hours, make sure you get plenty of rest the night before. If you are not well rested, this can affect your driving behavior in a negative way.
• If you are late, let it go. If you are already running late for an appointment, pull over to the side of the road and call the person to let them know. This will eliminate some of the stress you feel and allow you to relax and not speed to get there on time. It is better to arrive alive then not at all.
• Do not let your emotions drive you. If something has already upset you, it is best to stay off the road until you have calmed down.
• Be patient and drive defensively. Although you may be in a hurry, other drivers may not be. It is important to be understanding of other drivers’ habits, both good and bad.

Related Resources

• 10 Surefire Signs of Road Rage
• Road Rage: How To Deal With It From DMV.ORG
• Aggressive Driving and Road Rage From SafeMotorist.com

Sometimes You Can’t Avoid Aggressive Drivers and Road Rage

Road rage and aggressive driving endanger the lives of drivers, passengers and others on the road. If you or a loved one have suffered injury or death as a result of an aggressive driver or road rage, it is important that you contact an experienced Orlando Auto Accident Lawyer immediately.

Our experienced team of accident lawyers can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Feel free to fill out the contact form found on this page or call us right now at 407-422-4529 to discuss your legal options in greater detail.