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Avoiding a Road Rage Accident

When you’re on the road, it’s essential to keep try to avoid someone else taking their road rage out on you. In 2022, 141 people died from a road rage shooting and another 413 were injured[1]. Even if a driver’s road rage does not escalate to the point of drawing a gun, their aggressive driving is still a major danger – An AAA Foundation study found that up to 56% of fatal crashes are caused by aggressive driving behaviors, such as erratic lane changing and tailgating[2]. While you cannot control someone else’s behavior, you can take actions to help de-escalate a road rage situation.

If you see a car with an aggressive driver, stay as far away from them as possible – if you are behind them, slow down to put more space between the two of you, or if you are in front of them, change to the right lane and let them pass you. If they try to make eye contact with you or provoke you, avoid looking at them and focus on the road.

Follow the rules of the road and use proper driving etiquette. For example, avoid making obscene or rude gestures at fellow drivers. Similarly, honk your horn sparingly, if needed, but don’t lean on the horn unless there is a true emergency.

According to AAA, the behaviors that are most likely to anger fellow drivers include:

• Cutting off a driver. While this can happen accidentally, try to avoid it by checking that you have adequate space and buffer in the lane you want to merge into before entering that lane.
• Driving slowly in the left lane. Use the left lane for passing but otherwise stay in the right lane, especially if you are travelling at or under the speed limit.
• Tailgating. Use the two-second rule to ensure that you have adequate space between you and the car in front of you[3].

Following these rules of the road can make it less likely that you will be the target of someone’s road rage and also can help you avoid causing an accident as well.

If you are involved in an accident with a driver who has road rage, stay in your car until the police arrive. Don’t attempt to engage with the other person – this may escalate the situation. After you seek medical attention and your condition is stable, contact ECanter Lawyers. Even if the police arrest the other driver for acting violently, you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against them to collect damages to cover your expenses.  Call us today for a free case consultation.

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For a quarter of a century, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

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[1] EverytownResearch.org. Road Rage Shootings Are Continuing to Surge | Everytown Research & Policy. Accessed December 8, 2023.

[2] AAA. Road Rage Brochure 2013 (aaa.com). Accessed December 8, 2023.

[3] AAA. Road Rage Brochure 2013 (aaa.com). Accessed December 8, 2023.