It’s easy to feel frustrated when driving on America’s busy roads, but if a recent CBS report is accurate, Texas drivers are more likely to experience road rage than drivers in other states. And with I-35 and other congested roads in Central Texas and even in Pflugerville, it’s easy to see why.
Cited in the article was a study from the Austin-based insurance company Zebra that found making hand gestures, yelling, or engaging in actions to make other drivers feel unsafe was common among 87% of Texans interviewed. Unfortunately, road rage and aggressive driving significantly increase the chances of severe accidents, especially on I-35 with its ever-present construction zones and stop-and-go traffic.
Learn below about road rage and aggressive driving in Texas and how to deal with these drivers. If you were in an accident recently with an aggressive driver, the Pflugerville car accident lawyers at Pastrana & García Injury Law sympathize with you. We understand the stresses of being injured, in pain, and possibly out of work. Don’t worry. We can help.
What Is Road Rage And How Does It Cause Accidents On I-35?
Road rage, also called intermittent explosive disorder, refers to violent encounters on the roads with others due to aggressive driving, accidents, or road construction. In its simplest form, road rage happens when one driver reacts angrily to the actions of another by tailgating, cutting them off, or using hand gestures. These aggressive actions are more likely to happen in congested areas with road construction on I-35 throughout Texas.
Some of the most common signs of aggressive driving and road rage are:
- Tailgating
- Speeding in congested traffic
- Running stop signs and red lights
- Changing lanes with no turn signal
- Blocking cars trying to pass
- Passing a vehicle on the wrong side of the road
- Weaving through traffic
At worst, these aggressive driving behaviors can lead to an accident and even a violent encounter with injuries and even death. Zebra also has reported that 12,610 injuries and 218 murders have been attributed to road rage in the US over seven years.
Everyone can fall prey to road rage in the right circumstances, so learning to drive defensively and manage your anger when behind the wheel is essential. But if an accident ever does happen with an aggressive driver, a Texas car wreck attorney can help.
How to Avoid Road Rage Incidents in Texas
The good news is that Texas drivers can usually avoid road rage incidents and aggressive drivers by being proactive and prudent in their driving habits:
- Give yourself time to get where you need to go. Many road rage incidents happen because drivers run behind schedule and experience frustration. If you need to be at work at a specific time, know the traffic situation on I-35 and leave early.
- Give other drivers room and a break. Many aggressive driving incidents can be avoided if you give other drivers a break. Let the person merge before you, slow down in traffic, and don’t tailgate. When you drive courteously, others tend to do the same.
- Only honk if needed. Horns should not be used any time you are annoyed; they are intended only for use in an emergency. Avoid the horn in most cases because it usually angers other drivers.
- Practice positive driving habits. Don’t speed in construction zones on I-35, cut vehicles off, or make rude gestures when frustrated.
Practicing these positive habits will keep you out of most road rage incidents. But if you see others driving aggressively, there are ways to avoid them.
How to Navigate Around Aggressive Drivers in Texas
Sometimes we will come across aggressive drivers in Texas, and here are some ways to deal with them:
- Get out of the way. When you see someone speeding, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic, stay away from them. Gesturing at them only will aggravate the situation.
- Stay calm. If someone is tailgating you, allow them to pass immediately. Don’t do anything to upset them, such as slowing down and speeding up.
- Remain collected. If you get angry at another driver’s action, remember that many drivers action was a mistake, and it is best just to let it go.
Contact Our Texas Car Accident Attorneys Now
You have rights if you were in an accident with an aggressive driver and were hurt. Texas law allows you to file a lawsuit to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages.
Contact the car wreck lawyers at Pastrana & García Injury Law today to learn if you have a personal injury case.
