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For anyone that puts an average amount of driving time in during the day, you have probably seen the same as me - drivers verbally attacking other drivers. Sometimes it can even be worse - drivers physically attacking other drivers.
It is, at times, a scary scene - one driver pulling in front of another, blocking his way so he can point out loudly what he felt the other driver did wrong. With a little arguing, the confrontation could turn physical, even violent.
I almost was a victim. The other driver, not paying attention, tried to change lanes right next to me - into my lane. I honked my horn, and he politely jerked his large Dodge Ram back into his lane and showed me his 'birdy friend.' I shrugged it off and continued on my way. He pulled into the lane behind and after a few odd turns, I realized he was following me. When I observed him quickly via my rear view mirror, he was ranting and pointing at me. Honestly, I was scared, but thought enough to not go to where I was destined - to work. I drove aimlessly until he gave up his chase and turned around in a driveway. I felt my heart sink back into my chest cavity, thankful for it to be over.
Upon arriving at work, I was sad to find out that this didn't happen rarely, but often to people that I knew. They all had a story.
What saved me from possible injury was my brain. I thought, I did not retaliate, and I didn't take him to my daily locale from 8 - 4:30.
There are several small steps you can take in helping to avoid becoming a victim, but these do not prevent it. Some people have a temper that can be set off by the slightest brake light or accidental lane change.
First, never trust another driver. You never know who is behind the wheel of the other cars and you want to drive according to this rule. Do not brake for no reason, do not cut people off and try to stick to the road rules to a 't', including four ways and lights. I have seen rage errupt from someone not taking off at the snap of the finger at a green light. Try your best to follow the road rules appropriately and in a timely manner.
Also, do not give other drivers dirty looks or look them directly in the eyes. Many people take offense easily and, by rule number 1 above, can easily be angered. Try to drive in your own space, looking at the road in front of you. To admire your surroundings is one thing, but try not to stare into other vehicles.
Do not get verbal with another driver. Even if this person cut you off and slammed on their brakes, try not to appear verbal and abusive, even if you are the only one that can hear. If the other driver has a short fuse and sees you ranting to yourself, they might take you up on a fight of a lifetime. Keeping your anger to a few words that are not easily read from the outside is your best bet.
Try to keep your fingers down. One of the easiest ways to anger a road rage attacker is to show him how you really feel with hand signals. No matter how mad you get, keep your safety in mind by not sparking the rage.
If you think you are being attacked by another driver, as in my case, do not go to the obvious places where you would be found often. If at all possible when being followed, drive to a police station, a firestation or a hospital. If you have a cellular phone - use it, especially if you are in fear of physical harm. Most of the time, if a pursuer sees you dialing a phone, they will leave you alone. Take their license plate number and call the police.
Also, keep your doors locked. If the attacker can't reach you quickly, you have less chance of getting hurt. The exception to this rule is if a gun is involved. If you see a weapon, put your "pedal to the metal" and get away from the situation at hand. Even in this spur of the moment action, try to get part of all of their license plate number and call the police as soon as you can.
Road rage is generally not taken seriously, but out of personal experience and hearing and seeing other experiences with enraged drivers, it is something to pay heed too.
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