How to Avoid Becoming an Offensive Driver

February 28, 2017 | Car Accidents

Millions of car accidents happen each year in the United States and a primary cause of these crashes is offensive or aggressive driving. While you cannot control the actions of other drivers, one important step you can take to help increase your safety on the road is to avoid becoming an offensive driver yourself.

In this day and age, most of us have busy schedules and are used to multitasking and hurrying to get everything accomplished and get to all of our obligations on time. Traffic and other drivers who may be in our way can be frustrating and it is all too easy to become impatient and irritable on the road. However, when you begin to take your impatience out on other motorists, you become a huge risk. To avoid becoming offensive on the road, consider the following steps.

Recognizing Road Rage Signs

There are certain situations on the road that can particularly incite feelings of frustration that may lead to aggressive driving. By recognizing these situations in advance and having ways to cope when they occur, you can reduce your risk of accidents and injuries. Some stressful situations can include:

• Becoming stuck behind a driver who is moving slower than you want to be
• Another driver suddenly cuts you off in your lane
• Another driver refuses to allow you to pass them
• Being tailgated by another vehicle
• Having someone honking at you excessively or unnecessarily
• Receiving offensive gestures or comments from another driver

When any of these situations occur, it is all too easy to respond in kind with an angry action on the road, gesture, or honk of the horn. However, this creates a situation that is even more dangerous as a confrontation can ensue on the road.

Take Steps to Avoid Other Aggressive Drivers

If you encounter an aggressive driver, it is critical to set your pride aside and keep your cool to prevent an accident whenever possible. In addition, try to do the following whenever possible:

• If someone is following closely, change lanes as soon as possible
• Wave or use another polite gesture to try to defuse any conflict
• Avoid using your horn unless necessary to warn another driver
• Give a wide berth to any drivers who seem to be aggressive
• Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you are not tempted to speed or tailgate
• Finally, if you are in an accident with an aggressive driver, call to discuss your rights with a skilled attorney.

Contact an Experienced Indianapolis Auto Accident Lawyer for Help

At the Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have successfully helped many aggressive driving accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses. To make sure that you receive all of the compensation to which you are entitled, it is important to have an experienced lawyer handling your case. Attorney Merry Fountain can help you today by meeting in her office or by meeting in your home. Call Merry Fountain anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.