You'd think that when a person is operating 3,000 lbs. of steel, they'd be more alert, more patient, more empathetic, and more rational than during any other moment of the day. Usually it's the opposite.
Over 80% of drivers admit to having road rage and driving aggressively. Dealing with irrational, aggressive drivers can be a bit unnerving, so let's go over a few ways to keep everyone safe.
1. Stay Away
The obvious first step is to stay away and to not to block the passing lane. If you're on the highway and you'd like to avoid the chaos, stay in the right lane. If you need to change lanes in order to pass slow drivers, be patient and don't cut in front of anyone going faster than you. It's always best not to inconvenience anyone else just so you can maintain a certain speed.
2. Don't Contribute
Never feed into the problem. For some reason we occasionally feel like we're the arbiter of the road, and everyone else is inferior. Someone comes up behind us and begins to change lanes in order to pass. In our minds, they're threatening our dominance, so we need to speed up and teach them a lesson. "No one passes me!" Chill out, and keep your focus on creating a safe environment for yourself and everyone else around you. This isn't Roller Derby.
3. Don't Take It Personally
99.99% of the time, it's not about you. You don't know what other people are dealing with or where they're going. So give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and don't take the tailgating or honking personally.
4. Report Reckless Behavior
If you feel someone might get hurt, you can always contact Florida Highway Patrol by dialing *FHP (347) on your mobile phone. You'll be put in contact with the nearest FHP communications center.
* Alisa Wilkes is a Jacksonville car accident attorney. If you've been in a car accident involving an aggressive driver, call Alisa today.