Driving can be especially frustrating when other motorists are not as cautious or alert as you. However, when annoyances on the road occur, cooler heads usually prevail, and after a few seconds, you move on with your life. Unfortunately, not all drivers do. Many drivers experience road rage, which can heavily contribute to collisions. If you are a victim of a road rage incident, please continue reading and contact our Irvine auto accident lawyers to learn how we can help.
Road rage is used to describe the unbridled and overwhelming anger some drivers experience when they feel provoked or annoyed by the actions of others on the road.
As a result of their intense emotions, drivers who experience road rage often yell, honk, make gestures, and even try to intimidate other motorists. In many instances, drivers want to seek “revenge” on others who they believe have wronged them in some way, whether the other vehicle cut them off, is driving too slowly, or otherwise.
When someone is experiencing road rage, they are not thinking with a clear and rational mind. Instead, the anger can consume them, leading them to take substantial risks while behind the wheel.
One example of road rage occurs when a driver “tailgates” or follows the vehicle in front of them too closely. This is often the result of a driver who believes the car in front of them is driving too slowly. As a result, rear-end collisions may occur as the driver is not maintaining a safe distance from the car in front of them.
Additionally, it is common for drivers who experience road rage to be less likely to pay attention to the road in front of them as they are too busy focusing on the driver who provoked them. They may be looking and yelling at them, making obscene gestures, or trying to pass them in an unsafe manner.
Unfortunately, short-tempered drivers are more likely to engage in violent behavior. In some instances, this may include drivers intentionally colliding with another vehicle or running them off the road.
If you are struck by another vehicle during a road rage incident, understanding the steps you must take while prioritizing your safety is critical.
In most accidents, you and the other driver exchange insurance information while waiting for the police to arrive. However, if the other driver is experiencing road rage and poses a potential threat to your safety, you should remain in your vehicle as it may be unsafe to interact with them.
Instead, call 911 immediately, inform them of the circumstances, and follow their instructions until the police arrive.
If you have been injured by an angry driver, it is imperative to connect with an experienced attorney to determine what the next steps are. Contact our team at California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, to learn more.
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