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What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from an Aggressive Driver?
When encountering an aggressive driver on the road, it's vital that you take steps to protect yourself from an increasingly dangerous situation.
Knowing what to do can protect you from an aggressive driving car accident and reduce the risk of further escalation.
Avoid Engagement & Stay Calm
One of the most vital steps to protecting yourself against aggressive drivers is avoiding engagement with them and remaining calm.
This means you should avoid making eye contact, gesturing, or responding to any provocation from the aggressive driver.
Keep a Safe Distance
While following the posted speed limit, maintain a safe distance from the aggressive driver.
To do so, you could:
- Change lanes
- Make a turn
- Slow down
- Increase space between their vehicle and yours
By keeping a safe distance from the aggressive driver, you'll give yourself more time to react to any sudden dangers the aggressive driver may throw.
Do Not Challenge the Aggressive Driver
Avoid falling into an aggressive driver's game, and do not attempt to assert your position on the road.
Instead, allow the aggressive driver to pass you up, as your priority should be avoiding a car accident, not winning a confrontation.
Utilize Defensive Driving Techniques
When dealing with aggressive drivers, it's important that you employ common defensive driving techniques, such as being aware of your surroundings, anticipating changes, and keeping a safe following distance.
Call 911 If Necessary
If the aggressive driving situation has increased into extreme danger or you feel threatened, don't hesitate to call the police or drive to the nearest police station.
When calling the police or going to a police station, provide the officer or dispatcher with the aggressive driver's license plate number, locations, a description of the driver's vehicle, and a rundown of the driver's behavior.
Pull Over to a Safe Place If Necessary
If you believe the road rage incident has escalated, don't hesitate to pull over or turn it into a safe location, such as a populated gas station, parking lot, or store.
Once you pull into a safe location, avoid making contact with the aggressive driver and contact law enforcement if they continue to harass you.
How Can You Avoid Aggressive Driving Situations?
Avoiding aggressive drivers and road rage situations is the best way to ensure a safe driving experience.
Proactive measures you can take to steer clear of road rage and other road dangers are:
- Plan Your Route: Before hitting the roads, plan your route. Consider factors such as travel time, traffic congestion, and weather conditions.
- Leave Early: When planning to drive, leave earlier than your set time. This will allow you to avoid rushing to your destination, which could result in a road rage situation.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: While driving, be mindful of your environment and stay on alert for any potential road rage or aggressive driving present on the road.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Most road rage incidents are caused by tailgating, which is why it's so crucial that you maintain a safe following distance from the driver in front of you. In addition, by keeping a safe following distance, you can prevent yourself from getting into a rear-end car accident.
- Don't Express Anger: While driving, it's natural to feel frustrated at other drivers. However, don't express this anger by honking, making gestures, or shouting, as these could provoke an aggressive response.
- Avoid Confrontation: If another driver tries to engage you in confrontation, do not respond, as by responding, you may further escalate the situation.
- Use Relaxation Techniques While Driving: Preventing road rage starts with yourself, so it's essential that you utilize relaxation techniques such as taking a deep breath while driving or listening to calming music.
Using the measures listed above in your everyday driving can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in a road rage driving situation.
Speak with a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are involved in a car accident in Las Vegas that was caused by another driver's road rage, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
Contact Las Vegas Rodney Okano today by calling (702) 566-3600, who has over 20+ years of experience helping car accident victims file a claim and obtaining maximum compensation.
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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
