Keeping calm on the road

Altercations between drivers that get out of hand are more common than you think. So, if you are involved in an accident or an incident where, say, you block another driver in accidentally, making them angry, here are some tips to stop the situation getting out of hand.

Staying calm and acting appropriately could well save the day and stop a situation from escalating.

Things to avoid
Before we give you the ‘dos’ here are six common sense don’ts!

1. Don’t make rude hand gestures.
2. Don’t try to stare the person down.
3. Don’t swear at the other person.
4. Don’t open the window and shout.
5. Don’t get physical.
6. Don’t try to drive away quickly.

Road safety
In general, arguing with or shouting at an already irate person is rarely going to help matters. While driving there are several techniques you can employ to ensure that you don’t engage an aggressive driver; and if you already have, to avoid an accident.

Many drivers begin to exhibit aggressive and dangerous behaviour after having been slowed down, cut off or ‘tailgated’.

So, first of all, try not to be the one who cuts people up, undertakes them aggressively, or follows too closely. If you drive in a considerate and measured way yourself, you will reduce your chances of becoming involved in an incident.

Mea culpa
If you are the person who has accidentally committed one of those etiquette offences, and caused another driver to become angry, it would be a good idea not to continue to irritate them, block them or eyeball them. If possible, allow them to move on.

Aggressive driving can also be a cause of deaths and serious injuries, so do not think of it as cowardice if you allow a hothead to pass by.

Code of honour
Avoid cutting someone up when changing lane, do it by signalling in good time; and if you make a mistake, apologise with an appropriate gesture.

If somebody follows you too closely, let them pass, even if you are at the speed limit. It’s their decision to break the law.

Aggressive drivers can become even more dangerous if they feel hemmed in, and remember   they have already made the decision to speed, and you cannot force them to stick to the speed limit by blocking their road!

Some drivers get very angry when a car follows them too closely, so keep a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you. This will also give you a good stopping distance.

Avoid gestures whilst driving, especially obscene ones, and use your horn rarely, to warn others of your presence and never as a rebuke. By driving cautiously and courteously, you will minimise the chances of becoming victim of aggressive driving.

Don’t panic!
If you find yourself in a car accident, blame, emotion, pride and cost are all involved, and it’s easy for the situation to escalate.

Our advice is that if someone is shouting at you in that sort of situation, particularly if they are berating you for something you know was not your fault, try not to spend too much time trying to argue back. Don’t try to convince the person that you’re the one who is right.

Arguing with an irate or irrational person won’t get you anywhere, and could serve to worsen the situation.

Instead, state your case and remain calm. Take the person’s information down and call the police, allowing them to handle the rest. Save your energy for when you are trying to accurately describe the accident to the officer and put it down on paper.

To sum it up, when you are faced with confrontation, be polite and above all, stay calm.

Remember, the safer the driver you are and the fewer accidents you are involved in, the more likely it is that you could get cheaper car insurance. Privilege specialise in insuring drivers with four or more years no claims bonus – you can get a car insurance quote today from this website.
 

Why not get a quote on your car insurance from us today?