How to Avoid Road Rage – Tips from an Orlando Motorcycle Attorney

Aggressive driving incidents, or road rage, have been increasing in frequency and it seems like every day you hear about a new occurrence on the news. As Orlando motorcycle attorneys, we have been watching this trend with great concern.

Feel yourself wanting to lash out at fellow drivers? Here are a few quick and easy tips to help you control your own stress:

Take a deep breath

Release the extra tension in your body by taking deep breaths. By focusing on your breathing you can calm yourself down and remove the chance of you lashing out on fellow drivers.

Empathize

Minimize aggressive feelings by empathizing with other drivers. Did someone cut you off? In all likelihood, it was an accident. Try to give the other driver the benefit of the doubt and remember that it wasn’t a personal slight against you.

Minimize External Stressors

Outside factors are often the cause of road rage. Take sleep for example. A lack of sleep can cause frustration and irritability. Hunger can do the same thing. By addressing external stressors before you even get behind the wheel can go a long way to decreasing feelings of road rage.

But what happens when you encounter an aggressive driver? While you can make all the efforts to alter your own behaviors, you cannot control those around you. Here’s our advice for handling aggressive and potentially life-threatening drivers:

Try to diffuse the situation

Apologizing can go a long way to diffusing aggressive behavior. Whether you are at fault or not, a simple wave of the hand

Avoid staring or making eye contact

An aggressive driver will see this action as a hostile behavior and opportunity to engage with you.

Avoid aggressive gestures

Flashing your lights, honking your horn, rude hand gestures. Sure it feels good in the moment, but any of these actions can cause an aggressive driver to lash out.

Give the driver distance

Slow down or even consider changing your route. By putting some distance between you and the other driver, you are minimizing your chances of another run-in.

Don’t retaliate

Retaliation only escalates the problem. Do your best to follow the tips mentioned above. If necessary call the police. Make sure you tell them everything you can about the driver including make and model of the car as well as silence plate number. And remember, always remain in your vehicle.