How can you prevent road rage from escalating?
A vacation in Nashville can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very stressful trying to navigate by car. Being unfamiliar with the roads and local traffic laws can cause you to make mistakes. This is not only a frustrating situation for you, it may also cause aggravation for the other motorists around you.
Many locals understand about tourists and are willing to cut you some slack. However, others may become aggressive or hostile. If you respond by becoming defensive or belligerent, the situation may escalate into an altercation. If that happens, you may end up in the hospital or jail, neither of which is likely a sight you wanted to see on your vacation.
Therefore, when faced with a case of road rage, it is best to try to de-escalate the situation. Esurance offers several tips on how to deal constructively with another driver’s aggression.
- Remain calm
Admittedly, this is difficult to do in a confrontation with another driver, but if you do not match the other driver’s aggression, it can help to keep the situation under control.
- Avoid making eye contact
Shooting a look at the other driver may seem like a challenge to his or her superiority. This may provoke an even more hostile reaction as the driver is likely already experiencing feelings of frustration or anger.
- Keep your hands to yourself
You may get some fleeting satisfaction from expressing your feelings with a rude hand gesture, but it is likely to provoke the other driver even further. It is not worth it to incite a confrontation that could become violent.
The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.
