Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can occur in a split-second, often leaving the people involved wondering how they could have possibly let it happen in the first place. With technology and an overwhelming abundance of road signs already providing ample distractions for drivers, road rage is just another toxic ingredient added to today’s dangerous concoction of traffic jams and aggressive driving — and it’s entirely preventable.

Here are some reasons that getting angry behind the wheel is becoming more likely and how you can keep yourself from falling into a potentially fatal situation.

Reasons You Might Be Susceptible to Road Rage

Everyone has a breaking point, and jampacked roads, long delays in a cramped car and other people’s bad driving habits can lead to frustration that results in erratic driving you likely wouldn’t do while calm. Other things can factor in, too, like a lack of sleep, a higher stress level due to work or home life or if you’re simply running late; being in a rush can make any inconvenience on the road seem ten times worse and easily make you lose your cool. Getting cut off, slamming on your brakes for someone turning without a signal and a car weaving brazenly through traffic might have you cursing out other drivers instead of focusing on the road.

Common Signs of Road Rage

Road rage presents itself in many forms, but these are likely indicators that you or someone else is getting a little too angry:

• Intentionally tailgating
• Yelling
• Honking or gesturing angrily
• Intentionally cutting off another driver
• Getting out of your car to confront another driver
• Intentionally ramming another car

Recognizing that you are doing one or more of these things can make you aware of your anger and give you the opportunity to calm down. Recognizing these signs in another driver is also important, as you can then avoid them so that the situation doesn’t escalate.

Minimizing Your Chances of Engaging in Road Rage

Keeping calm, taking deep breaths and listening to music you enjoy can help you deal with stressful situations. Make sure you have plenty of time to get where you’re going to avoid rushing, and never engage with other angry drivers, as that could only make things worse. Try to recognize any bad habits you might have, and accept that everyone makes mistakes, so don’t let them get under your skin.

If you’re ever in an accident due to road rage, contact a car accident lawyer immediately to find out how to proceed, especially if you are a victim. It’s better to do this as soon as possible, as each state has a statute of limitations — usually between two to four years — on how long you have to file a claim.