Instances of accidents involving aggressive drivers and road rage have gone up, and Texas is no stranger to such events. Knowing how to respond to aggressive drivers can help keep you and your family safe on the road. Here are some tips to help deal with aggressive drivers in San Antonio.
Recognize Aggressive Driving Behaviors
Aggressive driving involves operating a motor vehicle in a way that endangers the safety of others and often involves a combination of moving traffic offenses, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Typical forms of aggressive driving include the following:
- Tailgating
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Speeding
- Blocking other vehicles from changing lanes or passing
- Brake checking
Realizing that another driver is aggressive can help you appropriately respond to a potential threat.
Only Use Your Horn When Necessary
Using your horn may infuriate other drivers, so do so sparingly and only when necessary, such as to alert another driver that they are in your lane and about to cause a collision.
Concentrate on the Road
Aggressive drivers may make it difficult for you to focus on the road, but you must do so to protect yourself and the occupants of your vehicle. Keep your eyes focused on the road ahead and avoid distractions.
Back Off
Slowly decrease your speed so you can get away from the aggressive driver. If it is safe, you should pull over somewhere away from the aggressive driver.
Avoid Eye Contact
Try to avoid eye contact or exchanges with the aggressive driver. They may escalate their behavior if you say anything to them or even look at them.
Don’t Respond in Kind
It can be tempting to respond to another driver’s aggression with your own, but this could be dangerous. Avoid tailgating, brake checking, making hand gestures at, or yelling at the aggressive driver.
Call the Police
If another driver’s actions escalate and you feel endangered, call the police to report the aggressive driver. Some aggressive drivers escalate to road rage and even use their vehicles as weapons against others.
Know What to Do in Case of an Accident
Due to their careless driving, aggressive drivers are more likely to cause accidents. If you are involved in an accident with an aggressive driver, do the following:
- Call the police – Report the accident to the authorities. Stay in your vehicle until they arrive.
- Seek medical attention – Aggressive driving can lead to more serious injuries, so get checked out immediately.
- Ask for the driver’s information – Texas is an at-fault state for car accidents, so you may need to claim with the other driver’s liability insurance provider. Ask the other driver for their name, contact information, and insurance information, or ask the police officer to do so if you feel intimidated.
- Limit conversation – Don’t talk to the driver more than necessary. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Contact a car accident lawyer – A San Antonio car accident attorney can guide you through the insurance claims process.
Contact Us Today If You Were Injured in an Aggressive Driving Incident
If you were injured in a collision with an aggressive driver, you deserve fair compensation. George Salinas Injury Lawyers can help demand it. Contact us today to arrange a free case review. We can seek to hold the aggressive driver accountable for the full extent of your damages.