Ask a Trooper: Don't Let Road Rage Get the Better of You

While on patrol early this week I heard a dispatch radio call regarding a road rage in progress.  Two vehicles cutting each other off, slamming on breaks, and weaving in and out of traffic.  This was followed by the dispatcher stating “We have advised the caller to not pursue the vehicles.”  I appreciate the effort but it is never wise to pursue anyone. 

If you note something of concern or criminal call 911 and let the police respond.  Did you know that according to a recent national survey if a driver is involved in an aggressive driving incident, over 50% of the people respond with aggression? The best way to not be involved in a road rage incident is to not let the other driver get the better of you. 

Driving is not a competitive sport.  How much is really won by cutting ahead of another vehicle?  Stay calm, focus on getting from one place to another safely, and try to forget about time if you’re running late. 

Do not allow yourself to get caught up in a confrontation.  If someone else can’t let it go and begins to follow you, call 911.  Advise the dispatcher of your location, where you are heading and allow law enforcement to catch up to you.  Do not pull over and possibly make a bad situation worse.  You do not know the intent of the other driver. 

Remember when changing lanes use your turn signal.  We police too many accidents where the collision could have been avoided if the driver had signaled their intent.  You would be surprised that other drivers will actually slow down and let you merge into the lane of travel if you give them fair warning. 

Regardless of the speed you are travelling move to the right lane if someone wants to pass you.  In Michigan it is a civil infraction to be driving in the left lane unnecessarily. 

Believe it or not keeping a safe distance behind another vehicle never bothered anyone.  Drivers can become irritated when someone is right behind them.  I am sure we have all experienced this and committed it.  Keeping a safe distance helps increase reaction time and allows time when something unexpected happens on the roadway. 

Do not make obscene gestures.  Making an obscene gesture can quickly turn what was most likely a mistake into a confrontation.  People forget to check blind spots or may not see you approaching from their rear view mirrors.  This again is something we have all been guilty of and we need to remember to be patient with each other. 

Slow down if someone else is driving aggressively.  Let them drive away from you.  Speeding up and trying to get past them can be misinterpreted as aggressive behavior on your part.  Remember as well that if you make a mistake, apologize with an appropriate gesture.  This can help defuse a situation before something gets out of hand.

We have all been cut off, honked at, and received some form of sign language from the other driver while out on the road.  Do not lose your cool.  The best thing to do is ignore it and let the other driver continue on their way.  The important thing is to remember everyone who depends on us getting home safely.

If you have a questions or comments please email them to askatrooper12@gmail.com, or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police – Brighton Post, 4337 Buno Road, Brighton, MI  48116.