The Roadways around Sioux Falls can be hectic at times, particularly during rush hour. Occasionally, the roads just can’t handle the volume of traffic. This can create frustration among drivers as they all have somewhere to be. It doesn’t take much to spark a road rage incident, and over 12,000 people are injured in these incidents every year.
What can you do to avoid a road rage incident and how should you respond to an aggressive driver?
Manage your body language
You may be extremely frustrated that an aggressive driver has put you in danger by behaving erratically. Your first instinct might be to signal that they pull over so you can vent your frustrations and explain what they have done wrong. It’s important to fight against this initial instinct.
It’s often very difficult to reason with someone in the heat of the moment, and the situation may escalate rather than improve. By signaling that the offender pulls over, they may take this as a sign that you are willing to engage in confrontation, and this isn’t going to end well for anyone.
Stay at a safe distance
While you may have somewhere to be, is it really so bad if you arrive a few minutes later? If you see a driver behaving aggressively, it’s better that you try and keep a safe distance. If it’s safe, let them overtake you, then you can go back to getting on with your day. If you go the opposite way and try to overtake them, their driving may get worse, which makes a collision more likely.
You have a right to use the roadways in as safe a manner as possible. If another driver has been negligent and caused you harm, then you can hold them to account. Seeking legal guidance will give you a better idea of what your options are in terms of compensation.