Dealing with Angry Drivers

Let’s face it—being in a road accident is stressful enough without having to deal with an angry, aggressive driver. What could’ve been a minor bump can quickly spiral into a confrontation you didn’t sign up for. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here’s how to handle road rage after an incident while keeping calm, collected, and most importantly, safe.

Prioritise your safety first

Whether or not you’re at fault, your safety and that of your passengers comes first. Before engaging with the other driver, take these steps:

1. Stop and switch off your engine

If you’re in the UK, it’s a legal requirement to stop after a road traffic incident that causes damage or injury. Turn off your engine and switch on your hazard lights.

2. Assess your surroundings

Check whether your vehicle is in a dangerous position—especially if you’re at a junction or blocking traffic. If it’s safe and the damage is minor, move your vehicle to the side of the road.

3. Stay inside the car

If the other driver is acting aggressively or approaching in a hostile manner, it’s often safer to stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked and windows closed. Only exit the vehicle if it is safe and necessary.

🔗 Are you in search of additional useful safety advice? Read How to Stay Safe While Travelling Alone

4. Avoid engaging in conflict

Don’t get into a shouting match or respond emotionally. Remain calm and avoid eye contact if things begin to escalate.

5. Call the police if needed

If the situation feels threatening or you believe you’re in danger, don’t hesitate—call 999 and request immediate assistance. Your safety is paramount.

Avoid confrontation whenever possible

Drivers experiencing road rage may try to provoke a reaction—don’t give them one.

If communication is unavoidable:

• Use neutral, non-confrontational language
• Don’t admit fault or apologise at the scene—even if they demand it
• Avoid discussing the details of the accident until emotions have cooled

If they’re shouting or threatening, return to your car or find a safe space nearby and wait for the police to arrive. Let the authorities mediate once they’re on the scene.

Need help dealing with high-stress situations? Read Everyday Tips for Managing Anxiety

Record key details like a pro

Gathering evidence at the scene can be essential, especially if the other party is being hostile or unreasonable.

Here’s what to capture:

• Photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries
• A written record of the date, time, location, and your recollection of what happened
• Notable behaviours to observe include whether the other driver was slurring their words or acting erratically. Note anything that could indicate alcohol or drug use
• Ask nearby witnesses for their contact details—their accounts may be helpful later

Do you require assistance after the incident? Here’s How to File a Car Insurance Claim with Less Stress

If they calm down—handle the exchange professionally

Occasionally, the intensity of the situation subsides and the other driver becomes rational once more. If so:

• Calmly exchange insurance details
• Take note of their name, number, and policy info
• Avoid admitting liability—keep it polite, factual, and brief

Are you still interacting with an irrational driver? Don’t push it. Let the police handle it.

When to call 101 instead

If you no longer feel threatened and both parties have calmed down, but you still want to report the incident, call 101 later to log it as a non-emergency.

This can still be helpful for documentation and may support a future claim, even if no formal charges are filed.

Final thoughts: Stay calm, stay safe

No one wakes up thinking, “Today’s the day I argue with a stranger on the road.” But if you do find yourself face-to-face with a furious driver, remember: you control your response.

Take a breath. Secure your safety. Document what matters. And let the authorities do their job.

With a bit of foresight and a lot of calm, you can navigate even the tensest post-crash chaos—no shouting match required.

Related Reads:

• How to Deal with Difficult People Calmly
• What To Do After a Minor Car Accident
• How to Keep Cool Under Pressure