Road Rage and Its Risks – How to Deal with
After a string of shootings on several freeways in Southern California, the word road rage was first used by a Los Angeles news station in 1987. Road rage happens when a driver is threateningly operating his or her car, putting other motorists or assets at risk. The word road rage also refers to circumstances where a driver conducts violent behavior or utilizes his or her car to attack others on the road.
Drivers Behavior That Could Be Included
Keeping an unsafe distance from a car
Other riders yelling or cursing
Deliberately cutting off another driver
Entry block to another car
Speeding
Traffic weaving
Agitation
Making obscene gestures to the other riders
Hitting another vehicle intentionally
Leaving the car and facing another driver
Assaulting another driver physically
How Could Road Rage Adds to Auto Accidents
Deliberately choosing to hit another vehicle reflects only a tiny proportion of road rage crashes. In some instances, raging drivers can trigger unmeaning accidents and if you are a victim of it, contact auto accident lawyer in Oklahoma.
Anger diminishes judgment capability. Anger not only increases the chances that a rider will act in a manner that they would never act in ordinary conditions, but it can also reduce the general judgment and lead the driver to make bad choices: run red lights instead of, for instance, taking the time to stop them.
Road rage may adversely affect response time. People who are angry may have slowed down reactions. In a car that travels at a high velocity, instant reaction to crashes remains critical. Not only do many raging drivers choose velocity, which needs quicker reactions to prevent an accident, but also these drivers may have furiously slowed reaction times. Unfortunately, this raises the general risk of accidents significantly.
Road rage leads to behavior that is hazardous. For example, tailgating can prevent a driver from stopping in time if the front driver slams on the brakes or suddenly must stop. Running red lights or stop signs can put a driver in a hazardous junction in the center of traffic, often endangering not only the driver who caused the rage on the highway, but also other drivers in the region.
What You Should Do When Involved in a Car Accident?
Despite your best efforts, road rage-fueled accidents may occur. If this happens, take measures after this sort of accident to safeguard yourself, including:
Stay Calm
Stay away from retaliating against an angry driver who is responsible for the crash. Another driver may not think rationally, so you must be calm and courteous. Do not talk to the driver or make any gestures as it may escalate the scenario further.
Make a Quick Accident Report
Report the accident to local law enforcement instantly. Notify the emergency responder if the other driver has threatened you or is approaching your car.
Do Not Go Out of Car
If an angry driver has caused you an accident, stay inside your vehicle until police arrives there. By being a victim of assault, you don't want the scenario to escalate further. If you have to leave your car due to gas leakage or other hazards, remain away from the other driver and attempt to remain in a public space.
Memorize the Incident Well
Try to remember the moments leading up to the accident and details of how aggressively the other driver was driving. Note the physical description and description of your car by the other driver.
Contact Auto Accident Lawyer
Road rage won't increase the compensation you get after an accident, but evidence of road rage may be helpful in an accident involving the other driver. A lawyer can assist you to comprehend better the compensation you receive from your accident and assist you to pursue that compensation, including gathering road rage proof from the other driver.
Contact The West Law Firm for auto accident lawyer in Oklahoma.
** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.