In a recent 8-day period, two people have died, one by stabbing and four others sustaining gunshot wounds in high-profile road rage incidents in Phoenix and Tucson. Road rage is on the rise in Arizona, with 460 reported incidents this year, which is on track to exceed the record number of 503 reported last year. Many of these situations escalate into physical confrontations in the roadway or at intersections, but there have been other instances where people have been followed and confronted at their home.
Speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, cutting off other drivers, honking your horn, flashing your lights, and other aggressive behaviors can lead to reactions from other drivers that can quickly turn into road rage. You have no way of knowing if the other driver is armed or what else is going on in their lives, so if you find yourself in a situation where you are engaged with another driver, the best solution is to de-escalate and remove yourself from it. The following techniques are recommended:
– Let it go! You have nothing to prove.
– Do not retaliate or engage the other driver with gestures, aggressive actions, or even eye contact.
– If you are being tailgated, change lanes or pull off of the road and let the other driver pass.
– Never brake check a tailgater. It is dangerous, illegal, and will likely escalate the situation.
– If the driver behind you flashes their headlights, move over and let them pass.
– Do not drive if you are already upset, angry, or tired.
– Go to a public place or police station if you think you are being followed. Do not go home.
– Don’t get out of your car. Lock your doors.
– Notify the police if you feel you are in danger.
Driving is not a competition. The goal is to get to your destination safety. Slow down and be courteous.
Remember…. you cannot control other people’s actions or behaviors, but you can control your own.
You can learn more about safe driving techniques by taking a National Safety Council defensive driving course.
More information and registration can be found here Defensive Driving Course
Ed Taube, Safety Trainer, Arizona Chapter National Safety Council