According to AAA, more than 80 percent of Americans have experienced some form of road rage.
Last year in North Texas, road rage caused more than 360 accidents. AAA offers these tips to help prevent road rage:
- Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes, or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
- Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume it’s not personal.
- Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and contact 911 if needed.
If a driver continues to follow you, officers say you should try not to exit the freeway. You should, however, slow down and let the other driver pass. If you are forced off the road, get on the phone and contact 911.
“If for some reason you find yourself having to get off the highway, don’t go home,” Richardson Police Department Sgt. Kevin Perlich said. “Go some place public, whether it’s a large parking lot area or the police station if you know where that is. Try to keep moving giving a dispatcher updates. Don’t stop or exchange gestures.”
