road rage can

YOU

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The new H.B. 30 Road Rage Amendments went into effect on July 1, 2024. These amendments update the definition of road rage, and increase penalties and fines for road rage criminal behavior. The updated definition of road rage is as follows:

“Road rage event” means the commission of a criminal offense:
(I) by an operator or passenger of a vehicle;
(II) in response to an incident that occurs or escalates upon a roadway; and
(III) with the intent to endanger or intimidate an individual in another vehicle.

PREVENTING ROAD RAGE

Road rage is a serious issue that affects everyone on the road. It can lead to dangerous situations, crashes and increased stress while driving.

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HOW TO AVOID ROAD RAGE AS A DRIVER

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HOW TO HELP A LOVED ONE WHO MAY STRUGGLE WITH ROAD RAGE

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A ROAD RAGE INCIDENT

Remember, staying calm, patient and courteous on the road can make a significant difference in your own safety and the safety of others. Make the decision before you get behind the wheel to not engage in “road rage” behaviors. That way, you won’t find yourself in a situation where you can’t take back a ticket, a crash or serious harm to another person.

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We’ve all heard of road rage, but how do we actually define it? Road rage includes any driving behaviors that potentially endanger others and are accompanied by intentional acts of aggression, negative emotions and risk-taking. You might not realize it, but some of the actions you engage in when behind the wheel could qualify as road rage.

  • YELLING AT OTHER DRIVERS BICYCLISTS OR PEDESTRIANS
  • VERBAL AND PHYSICAL THREATS
  • RUDE GESTURES
  • FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY
  • NOT USING TURN SIGNALS
  • SPEEDING
  • WEAVING THROUGH TRAFFIC
  • CUTTING OFF OTHER VEHICLES
  • HONKING UNNECESSARILY
  • CHASING OTHER ROAD USERS
  • ERRATIC BRAKING
  • HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE OR PERSON ON PURPOSE
  • ANY ADDITIONAL DANGEROUS DRIVING BEHAVIORS TARGETED AT OTHERS

AVOIDING ROAD RAGE AS A DRIVER

STAY CALM AND PATIENT

Emotions can run high in traffic, but maintaining your composure is crucial. Take deep breaths and remind yourself to stay patient.

PLAN AHEAD

Allow extra time for your journey to avoid feeling rushed or stressed due to potential delays.

AVOID AGGRESSIVE DRIVING BEHAVIORS

Steer clear of tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, flashing brights, cutting off other drivers, cutting across multiple lanes and making rude gestures, as these actions can provoke other drivers.

LIMIT DISTRACTIONS

Keep your focus on the road by minimizing distractions, such as texting, phone calls or adjusting the radio.

USE COURTESY ON THE ROAD

Remember, humans make mistakes. Small acts of kindness can diffuse tense situations. Wave or nod to acknowledge courteous drivers.

MUSIC AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Play calming music or practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing to reduce stress while driving.

PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Stay alert, anticipate potential problems and be ready to react calmly to unexpected situations.

HELPING A LOVED ONE WITH ROAD RAGE

OPEN COMMUNICATION

Approach the issue with empathy and express your concern about their road rage. Avoid blaming or shaming.

SUGGEST STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Recommend stress-relief activities like exercise, meditation or talking to a therapist to help them manage their emotions.

ENCOURAGE DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSES

Suggest enrolling in defensive driving courses to improve their driving skills and confidence on the road.

OFFER TO DRIVE

If possible, offer to drive during trips, which can help them relax and reduce their road rage triggers.

BE A SUPPORTIVE PASSENGER

When riding with them, stay calm and avoid escalating situations if they become agitated.

DEALING WITH ROAD RAGE INCIDENTS

STAY SAFE

If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not engage or escalate the situation. Your safety is the top priority.

AVOID EYE CONTACT

Eye contact can be seen as confrontational. Look straight ahead and do not react to provocative gestures or words.

KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE

Maintain a safe following distance to allow you to react to sudden maneuvers by the aggressive driver.

REPORT AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

If you feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 or use a hands-free device to report the incident. Avoid any direct confrontation with the other driver and refrain from exiting your vehicle.

EXIT THE ROAD IF NECESSARY

If an aggressive driver continues to pursue you, drive to a public place or a police station to seek help.

Document Details

If safe, try to remember or jot down the aggressive driver's license plate number, vehicle description and any other identifying details.