12 Examples of Road Rage You Need to Know
Driving can bring out the worst sides of people.Whether you’ve experienced it yourself or not, road rage is a common state of being in which drivers “lose their temper” as a result of another driver’s actions. You may have seen drivers cut each other off, tailgate one another, or yell aggressive profanities as they speed by another vehicle. And, yes, flipping the bird is some of the ways in which drivers express their anger towards one another.
While there is no formal definition of road rage, most people know what it implies. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), aggressive driving refers to “an angry motorist attempting to intentionally injure or kill another driver because of a traffic dispute. These drivers retaliate against others by making sudden, threatening maneuvers that put the safety of themselves and others at risk.
Possible Causes of Road Rage
Even the most relaxed, easy-going people (Type B personalities) can become enraged behind the wheel. Imagine how Type A personalities may react on the roads. These types of people are characterized as more impatient, competitive, and easily triggered, therefore, they may express road rage more frequently and powerfully than others. Experts believe that aggressive driving stems from factors such as:
- Other drivers’ actions
- Traffic congestion
- Running late
- Personal moods and reactions
No matter what type of personality you have, you are not immune to the possibility of expressing or experiencing road rage when driving. Things that are out of your control may cause you to lose control of your emotions in the heat of the moment, and that carries a hefty price.
Common Signs of Road Rage
Road rage can be expressed in a variety of ways, as described below. Keep in mind, however, that drivers may express the following examples of road rage unintentionally. Nonetheless, it will benefit you to consider the signs of road rage below:
- Tailgating
- Flashing lights to tell a driver to switch lanes
- Honking the horn
- Obscene gesturing
- Switching lanes without signaling
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Cutting drivers off
- Slowing down after cutting drivers off
- Driving slow in the passing or left lane to make it challenging for others to pass
- Driving behind another vehicle with high beams on
- Speeding through a yellow light before it turns red
- Failing to turn right in a right turn lane
Road rage can escalate a situation to a dangerous point, therefore, it is best to reduce your chances of getting entangled in a messy incident that is easily preventable and avoidable, As such, consider the tips below:
- Use your turn signal before changing lanes
- Drive the speed limit
- Be polite and courteous
- Follow drivers at a safe distance
- Do not text and drive or talk on the phone and drive
- Do not react to aggressive drivers and try to avoid eye contact
- Distance yourself from erratic drivers
- Do not play your music too loud that it annoys others
- Avoid acting in ways that antagonize or irritate others
- Control your temper in traffic
- If you feel road rage coming on, try to create distractions such as listening to music or talking to your passenger or yourself
- Avoid using your horn unless it’s necessary
- Do your best to tolerate drivers who don’t follow the law
- Follow the rules of the road
Restoring Peace of Mind One Client at a Time
If your emotions got the best of you, don’t lose hope. Everyone has their bad days, but that doesn’t mean they should suffer life-altering penalties. Our Des Moines traffic ticket attorneys are deeply aware of what’s at stake if you are convicted of a criminal traffic offense such as reckless driving, which is why you can count on us to invest the time, attention, and resources required to build a compelling defense on your behalf. Our mission is to help you move forward with your life and we look forward to fighting for that possibility in your case.
Arrange your no-cost consultation online or by calling (515) 329-3100!