Let’s face it—being involved in a road accident is stressful enough without the added drama of an angry driver. Meeting an irate driver can swiftly transform an inconvenience into a terrifying ordeal. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back with some practical tips on staying safe (and sane!) if you find yourself dealing with road rage.
Prioritise your safety
No matter what has happened, your safety and that of your passengers comes first. Even if the other driver is being aggressive towards you, follow these steps before doing anything else:
- Stop and switch off your engine: It’s a legal requirement in the UK to stop at the scene of a road traffic incident that causes damage or injury to any other vehicle, property, or person. Turn off the engine and put your hazard lights on.
- Assess your surroundings: Check the position of your vehicle on the road. Are you on the edge, or in the middle of a junction? If it’s safe to do so, move your car away from oncoming traffic – but only if the damage is minor and no one is injured.
- Stay in your vehicle: If you aren’t in immediate danger of a further collision, stay in your car if you feel threatened by the other driver. Keep your doors locked and your windows closed.
- Avoid engaging in conflict: Regardless of the other driver’s behaviour, try not to engage with them until they have calmed down. Focus on staying calm and composed.
- Request police assistance: Dialing 999 and asking for immediate police assistance is essential if you feel threatened or in danger as a result of the angry driver’s behaviour.
Avoid confrontation
People who are experiencing road rage may try to provoke you, but staying calm and non-reactive is crucial to not escalate the situation. Use neutral language if communication is unavoidable, and don’t admit fault or apologise, even if this is what they’re demanding – this could impact your insurance claim. If the other driver refuses to calm down and speak in a civil manner, return to your vehicle or a safe location away from the scene and wait for the police to arrive.
Quick note: If the angry driver chills out and everyone’s okay, you can use 101 later on to report the incident as a non-emergency.
Record important details
Time to put on your detective hat! Gathering evidence can be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with an aggressive driver:
- Snap photos of vehicle damage, the scene, number plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries—but only if it’s safe to do so.
- Write down details like date, time, and exact location.
- Jot notes about the other driver’s behaviour, especially if you suspect drugs or alcohol might be involved.
Don’t forget to sweetly ask any witnesses for their contact details. Their accounts might back you up later.
And if the angry driver turns into a reasonable human again? Great! Exchange insurance info politely. But if not, just leave it to the police to handle.
While dealing with road rage may not be everyone’s ideal scenario, by adhering to these tips, you can masterfully navigate even the most challenging traffic situations.
