How Motorcyclists Can Protect Themselves from Road Rage
Road rage is increasing. The quickened pace of daily life, combined with economic stress, has led to many angry drivers behind the wheel. Road rage incidents usually occur when a motorist takes some action which offends another driver. Instead of letting it go, this driver takes the incident personally. For example, a driver might accidentally cut someone off because they weren’t looking or were in a rush. The offended driver believes the other motorist acted this way deliberately.
Road rage can escalate, and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. In any collision, motorcyclists will end up suffering the brunt of injuries. Consequently, we recommend that anyone riding a motorcycle follow these tips for de-escalating the situation.
Recognize the Signs of Road Rage
A driver in the grips of road rage will likely:
- Follow too closely
- Honk their horn or yell at you
- Pass illegally
- Try to force you from the road
- Follow you home
- Try to hit you
These actions range from the annoying (yelling profanities) to the deadly (intentionally striking you). If you suspect a driver is being aggressive, then do the following.
Increase the Distance Between You
The best way to protect yourself is to give the other driver more distance. That might mean slowing down or even pulling off the highway. Slowing down and letting a motorist pass you can also work.
Do Not Escalate or Reciprocate
Road rage can get out of control if you try to strike back at the other driver. You should avoid yelling back or making obscene gestures, no matter how upset you feel.
We also recommend avoiding prolonged eye contact. The other driver might interpret that as a provocation. They could become angrier.
Also avoid brake checking or in any way increasing the risk of a collision. The objective is to get away from the road rage driver.
Seek Safety, if Necessary
Some road rage drivers actually follow their targets home with the objective of confronting them face to face. That is definitely something you want to avoid. A person in a car can sit with the doors locked and call the police on an out-of-control rager. As a motorcyclist, you do not have that luxury.
- Avoid stopping. Being on a motorcycle provides no safety from a person in a rage who wants to confront you. Keep driving.
- Head to the nearby police station, if necessary, to seek shelter.
- Drive to a location with many people outside if you don’t know the location of the police station. You are less likely to be confronted.
Contact Our Office if You Are Injured in a Road Rage Accident
Aggressive drivers cause significant accidents, and motorcyclists can end up in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Contact Snyder Heitman, LLC, if you were hurt in a crash. A road rage driver should pay compensation, including general damages for your injuries.
We might also seek punitive damages if you were intentionally struck or forced from the road. Our law firm represents clients in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Upstate South Carolina.
Sources:
consumeraffairs.com/automotive/road-rage-statistics.html
scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c032.php#:~:text=of%20this%20act.%22-,SECTION%2015%2D32%2D520,-.%20Bifurcated%20trials