Road rage puts Minnesota drivers and pedestrians at serious risk. Too many drivers become frustrated and angry while traveling even short distances. When tempers flare, and a driver becomes enraged, there is serious danger to the target of their anger and everyone else in the immediate area.
Defining road rage
Road rage occurs when a driver becomes angry enough to take their frustrations out on another driver. It involves engaging in certain dangerous behaviors that pose the risk of severe motor vehicle accidents, harm to someone’s physical safety and damage to property. Unfortunately, instances of road rage have only increased over the years.
Behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, deliberately bumping into the back or side of another vehicle, cursing, excessive honking, throwing objects out the window and making obscene gestures occur with road rage. Some drivers may even follow another driver to confront them even though their route is out of their way. Sadly, sometimes, when a confrontation occurs, it can result in serious injuries or even death.
Handling a situation with a road rage driver
Stay calm if you become a driver’s target in road rage. Although that’s easier said than done, it might help ease the situation. Avoid engaging the other driver and if possible, let them pass you.
Many situations involving road rage drivers result in car accidents. While exchanging information with the other driver after a collision is normal, this situation is different. Instead, try to note the make and model of the vehicle and the license plate. If you can make out the plate number, quickly jot it down, Avoid taking a photo of the vehicle to avoid a confrontation with the irate driver.
Instances of road rage seem to increase as time passes. If a driver has threatened your safety, calling the police may be necessary.