When stuck in traffic or responding to another motorist’s mistake behind the wheel, it’s common to feel frustration and anger. However, you know the importance of keeping your emotions in checkl while driving and not letting your emotions escalate to road rage. A 2024 study by Forbes says that Mississippi has some of the most aggressive drivers in the nation.
The Forbes study analyzed the frequency that drivers reported experiencing aggressive driver behaviors such as being forced off the road, blocked from merging lanes, cut off on purpose, tailgated, and being insulted and threatened. Aggressive driving significantly increases the risk of traffic crashes in Gulfport.
To reduce the threat of Gulfport car accidents caused by angry drivers, consider a few tips to stay calm and avoid driving aggressively.
To reduce the threat of Gulfport car accidents caused by angry drivers, consider the following tips to stay calm and avoid driving aggressively:
Defensive Driving Techniques
Driving defensively requires remaining alert to traffic conditions, changes in the speed limit, and being ready to react to other drivers’ unexpected maneuvers if necessary. Defensive drivers should:
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Following too closely leaves you with less time to react and it can increase the stress level of the driver in front of you.
Use Turn Signals Early
Many drivers find others’ failure to use turn signals frustrating. Use your blinker as soon as possible. Otherwise, motorists might view you as braking without a reason.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
As you focus on driving, review the area around you for potential threats. Check out vehicles, traffic patterns, and signs and signals so you know what to anticipate. This awareness enables you to avoid sudden stops or maneuvers.
Mind Your Own Business
It’s helpful to drive with a goal of getting yourself and your passengers to your destination safely. Be mindful of this point instead of getting involved in disputes or harassment with other motorists. To that end:
Avoid Gestures
Making gestures or signs to aggressive drivers can make a tense situation worse. It’s usually better to continue driving safely and letting an aggressive driver pass.
Don’t Challenge Aggressive Drivers
Adrenaline, emotion, and anger can lead people to act impulsively. It’s best to avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver. The angry driver may view eye contact as a challenge and respond accordingly.
Stay Calm and Composed
Don’t respond to someone else’s aggression by becoming agitated. It’s critical to keep your emotions under control:
Take Deep Breaths
Your heart rate will slow down, enabling you to think more clearly. You’ll avoid overreacting to a tense situation.
Focus on Your Driving
Amid a potential altercation, direct your attention to the safe operation of your vehicle. You’ll prevent escalation, and you want to avoid creating hazards for other motorists.
Avoid Honking or Yelling
An important tip is not to honk, scream, or use obscenities in an encounter with an aggressive driver. Staying calm and composed will reduce your inclination to antagonize.
Report Aggressive Drivers
Notifying Gulfport authorities of dangerous drivers can keep other road users safe. A police report can also be helpful if you need to take legal action after a crash. For accurate reporting:
Note the Driver’s License Plate Number
If possible, write down the license plate number of the aggressive driver. When you can’t do so safely, jot down the vehicle’s make, model, and identifying characteristics.
Call 911 if the Driver Is Posing an Immediate Threat
Law enforcement can pursue and apprehend a motorist who is causing a risk of accidents.
Choose Your Routes Wisely
You can plan your routes to work or school to avoid congested areas and traffic conditions that cause aggressive driving. Even if your new route takes longer, it’s usually worthwhile in the interests of your safety to:
Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
Commuting drivers often have some work-related stress, making them inclined to irritation. Avoid driving during the morning and evening rush hours when possible, and you won’t be sharing the road with them.
Consider Alternative Routes
Another way to avoid aggressive drivers is to travel on roads that take you away from the routes they frequent. If you take an alternate route, allow extra time to reach your destination. When you’re not in a rush, you’re less likely to take risks and drive aggressively.
Professional Driving Courses
Regardless of how long it’s been since you got your first driver’s license, many motorists can use a refresher course on Mississippi traffic laws to improve their own driving. Knowing the definition of defensive driving and adhering to defensive driving behavior is a good start.
You can take the next steps toward safety by enrolling in a defensive driving course.
There are a few advantages to participating in these courses, even beyond the tips on operating your vehicle safely:
- When you complete the course, you might get discounts on your auto insurance.
- If you’re involved in a traffic crash, you can present evidence of completing a defensive driving course to show your dedication to being a careful driver.
- As a parent, you create a good example for your children when they become licensed drivers.
Involved in a Car Accident With an Aggressive Driver? Contact Our Office
The team at Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC in Gulfport will pursue all available compensation in your case. Our attorneys represent victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents.
Contact our experienced attorneys today for a free case review through our contact us form or call (228) 872-8752. We’ll listen to your story and review your legal rights and options. If you choose our Gulfport car accident lawyers to represent you, we’ll fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.