Road rage is one of the most dangerous risks facing motorists every day. Nearly 80 percent of drivers in the US admitted to having engaged in aggressive driving and behaviors associated with road rage at least once in the last 30 days.
Although aggressive driving is a less severe form of road rage, its consequences can be just as severe. It’s necessary to have an experienced car accident lawyer in Los Angeles on your side if you are ever involved such callous situation. Even if you only sustained minor physical injuries, the perpetrators must be made accountable. Or they can possibly injure and endanger more lives in the future.
Road Rage Claims Lives
On May 21, 2021, the country reeled with the news that a six-year-old boy was killed in a road rage shooting incident on a freeway in Orange County, California.
The young child was on his booster seat at the back of the car and was being driven by his mother to kindergarten school. News reports say that another vehicle cut the mother off, to which she responded with a hand gesture. The other driver then slipped behind the victim’s car and fired a shot. The bullet went through the trunk and the child’s booster seat, fatally wounding him in the abdomen. The six-year-old was brought to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
This is just one of many incidents where innocent lives are lost because of aggressive driving and road rage. Drivers must learn to manage their emotions when behind the wheel and avoid inciting anger from other motorists as well.
Aggressive Behaviors that Trigger Road Rage
Road rage covers a broad range of situations, not just random strangers racing to show each other up. It is often the outcome of mutual provocation: a small gesture is all it takes to make a person who’s already under stress lose control.
Below are examples of aggressive behaviors that can trigger road rage:
- Yelling at the other driver
- Honking loudly to show your annoyance
- Making an angry or obscene gesture
- Blocking the other motorist from changing lanes or driving ahead
- Changing lanes erratically
- Failing to signal when turning or stopping
- Tailgating another vehicle
- Bumping and cutting off another vehicle on purpose
- Getting out of the car and confronting the other motorist
Drivers can avoid deadly interactions on the road if they avoid doing any of the above. If they let their guard down and let their anger take over, their split-second reactions can have devastating consequences:
- Fractures
- Neck and back injuries (or any injuries that require rehabilitation and long-term maintenance)
- Temporary and permanent disabilities
- Traumatic brain injury
- Death (in road rage situations, deaths can be accidental or intentional)
How to Avoid Getting Involved and Causing Road Rage
You’re in control of only your own emotions and actions. There’s no telling what other motorists will do in response to a situation on the road, but take the chance to defuse the situation before anyone gets too angry to reason with.
Here are a few tips:
- Slow down and let the other vehicle get a few cars ahead of you.
- Avoid making hand gestures, angry honking, or lowering your window and yelling out.
- Avoid eye contact.
- Don’t respond to other motorists’ aggression.
- If you must exchange words, keep your tone low, calm, and courteous.
- Lock your doors, don’t leave your car, and call 911 if you feel threatened.
- Alternatively, drive to the nearest police station or fire station.
Hire the Best Car Accident Lawyers When Necessary
If, despite your best efforts, you still get into an accident because of road rage, contact an attorney right away. Our car accident lawyers at Haffner Law can offer immediate assistance anywhere in Los Angeles. We have years of experience with personal injury claims and car accident lawsuits in California. We defend our clients’ rights so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Get our fierce car accident attorneys to represent you in a road rage insurance claim or litigation. Contact us today.
