You’re driving down the highway when you can see a car coming up fast behind you. You change lanes and try to let the other driver pass. Instead, they slow down and wave a gun at you. Shaken, you exit the highway, breathing a sigh of relief when they’re out of sight.
Over 60% of car accidents in America are caused by road rage. What’s more, 37% of drivers have a gun in their vehicle, making aggressive drivers more dangerous than ever before. In 2021 an average of 44 people per month were shot, wounded or killed in road rage-related incidents, according to a report by Everytown USA.
Protecting yourself from aggression on the road
It’s important for drivers to learn how to protect themselves on the road, especially with road rage-related gun violence on the rise. These tips can help you:
- Do not acknowledge or react to an aggressive driver. This will only fuel their anger.
- Avoid making eye contact with the aggressive driver. This is a surefire way to trigger the driver even more.
- Move out of the way as soon as possible and allow the aggressive driver to pass you.
- Pull over and call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.
- Do not get out of your car, no matter how much the other driver berates you.. Look straight ahead and wait for help to arrive.
- Drive to the nearest police station if you can’t get the driver to leave you alone.
Despite your best efforts, you can still end up in a wreck with an aggressive driver. Allow the paramedics to transport you to the hospital If you are injured. When the doctor is finished treating you and your police report has been taken, consider your options. You have a right to seek reimbursement for medical bills and damages.
