Utah is a state that is known for its stunning landscapes, family friendly communities, and outdoor lifestyle. It has also garnered a new and less desirable reputation, having the highest number of road rage incidents in the United States. As of September 12, 2022, Utah was declared the state with the most confrontational drivers according to a study done by Forbes.
According to a Forbes study, “Utahns were the most likely in the nation (76%) to report that another driver in their home state has honked at them in frustration. Of the survey respondents more than half (58%) of Utah drivers were the second most likely to say that another driver ahs tailgated them (73% of Utah respondents), and that another driver has exceeded the speed limit to block them from changing lanes (47%)> of all of those who were surveyed, about 1 in 4 Utahn drivers (27% of Utah respondents) said they know of someone in their state who was injured due to a road rage accident.
This study shines an unfortunate light onto the darker and more dangerous side of driving, road rage, and unfortunately for Utah drivers this is a relatively common occurrence. As your Utah car accident attorneys we understand the dangers of road rage, and we believe that everyone should be equipped with the tools to prevent road rage. In this article we will be delving into how you can prevent a road rage incident, as well as what you should do if you find yourself in a road rage confrontation.
What Causes Road Rage
Driving a car is something that most people do every day and we can often forget how stressful it can really be. You are operating a vehicle that is well over a ton at high speeds all while other factors are affecting your day and your mood. You may be driving to work and there is traffic on your commute, or a slow driver in front of you, these factors can culminate and can combine to result in road rage.
Now that we understand what factors can result in road rage, what can you do to help prevent road rage for yourself, and causing road rage to others?
Preventing Road Rage and Avoiding Being a Victim of an Aggressive Driver
Do Not Offend
Nobody wants their driving to be disturbed, and the last thing that anybody wants is for their driving to be disturbed by another driver. There are some actions when taken on the road that can prompt a much more aggressive response from other drivers. These actions can include: cutting a driver off, driving slowly in the left lane, weaving in and out of lanes, honking unnecessarily, and tailgating.
These actions can often trigger aggressive reactions from another driver. If you take action to avoid these actions and respect the drivers around you, you are likely to be able to avoid someone else’s road rage.
Practice Defensive Driving
If you are an active driver on the road, defensive driving is an essential skill that you should have in your repertoire. To practice defensive driving you must do the following: maintain a safe following distance behind a driver (roughly 2 seconds), obey all traffic laws, and avoid aggressive driving maneuvers such as tailgating or excessive speeding. If you are a courteous and considerate driver while on the road it will often be enough to defuse a potential road rage situation.
Stay Away from Confrontation
If your defensive driving does not stop an aggressive driver, then the best course of action to take is to try to distance yourself from the situation. If the aggressive driver approaches you avoid making eye contact as eye contact can escalate tension. If you are feeling unsafe around an aggressive driver then consider changing lanes or taking an alternative route to remove yourself completely from the proximity of the aggressive driver. It is crucial in these situations to not retaliate or engage in any aggressive behavior yourself, as it will only make things worse.
Manage Your Emotions
In a road rage situation you need to remain composed and emotional self control is vital for these situations. When you are behind the wheel make sure that you remain cool, calm, and collected, especially when faced with dangerous situations. Avoid engaging in aggressive emotional behaviors while on the road such as, making obscene gestures (ex. Flipping someone off), or exchanging verbal altercations with other drivers.
If a driver is making you upset, try to take a deep breath and maintain a positive mindset, this can go a long way in diffusing tensions with other drivers.
By utilizing these tools, you should be able to avoid or stop a road rage incident before they even happen. Remember to stay calm and collected, and to practice defensive driving while on the road. However these steps won’t work every time and it is crucial to understand the steps that you should take if you are a victim of an aggressive driver.
What Should You Do If You Are the Victim of Road Rage
Let the Driver Pass
In most cases an aggressive driver is trying to get to their destination as quickly as possible leading to them driving as fast as possible. That being said, when there is an aggressive driver behind you, it is vital to let them pass as soon as possible. Make sure it is safe for you to change lanes and then let them pass.
When you have let the aggressive driver pass you they typically will leave you alone, after they have passed return your vehicle to the speed you were traveling at before and continue forward. Try to maintain a safe distance from the aggressive vehicle, and if the driver is still acting aggressively, call the authorities if the driver continues with their aggressive actions.
Stay Calm
Dealing with someone who has road rage can be extremely stressful. As your Utah car accident lawyers we would strongly advise you to stay calm and try to be patient with the road rage driver. Make sure that you maintain a consistent speed and that you drive as safely as possible.
If you struggle with road rage consider listening to relaxing music, or talking with someone else in the vehicle as it might help you keep a calm demeanor.
Do Not Stop
Drivers with road rage can be dangerous and can sometimes cause violent crime. This is why it is crucial to not stop when dealing with an aggressive driver. To an aggressive driver stopping in response to their aggressive driving can be an invitation to continue the confrontation long after the incident has occurred. A face to face confrontation can escalate to violence, so continue to keep driving if possible.
If an aggressive driver continues to follow you and you feel unsafe consider rerouting yourself to a police department and pull into the parking lot there. This will be a safe space for you and will often completely deescalate a road rage situation.
Consult With a Utah Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a road rage incident, you may have a legal claim, and you should consider a consultation with a skilled Utah car accident attorney. At LifeLaw Personal Injury, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and will tirelessly fight for your rights. This includes helping you seek compensation for any damages that you have suffered, like medical expenses, property damages, and pain and suffering from the incident. If you are a victim of a road rage incident, give us a call at LifeLaw today for a free consultation and to discuss your next steps!