There are countless example of road rage that leads to someone getting killed.  I ran across this story last week where two drivers in Michigan became angry at one another due to one's tailgating.  They pulled over and shot and killed one another.  One of the motorists even had family members in the car to witness this insanity.  "Here lies John Doe, killed because of tailgating".  How sad that will look on their tombstones.

It is my opinion that road rage is on the rise now due to more distracted drivers and heavier traffic.  Think about all the distractions motorists and truck drivers have in their vehicles now: cell phone, texting, GPS, AM/FM radio, CB, satellite radio, various chargers, video cameras, bluetooth and tablets to name some.  That doesn't even begin to factor the emotional state of a driver which contributes greatly to aggressive driving.

As professional drivers, we spend most of our time on the road where all the factors that contribute to road rage are alive and well each day.  However, the keyword in that last sentence is professional and we must always act as such.  I know how mad drivers get out there because I do too.  We have to let it go because it's not worth getting hurt, killed or sued over.  Below are some tips and other helpful information from the FMCSA website:

Did You Know ? 
  • The most obvious form of road rage is aggressive and excessive speeding, particularly on congested highways or in bad weather.
  • Speed causes nearly one-third of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
  • Speeding reduces the time drivers have to avoid a crash or a dangerous situation and greatly increases the likelihood the crash will be severe.
  • The energy released in a collision at 60 mph is 200 percent greater than at 40 mph, even though the speed has increased by only 50 percent.

Control Yourself

  • Wind down before you crank it up. Avoid making other drivers angry by avoiding anger yourself.
  • Anticipate situations and make plans accordingly. Regular traffic reports in most cities alert you to the traffic congestion. Learn alternate routes or leave for work earlier.
  • Take action before stress and fatigue get to you. Learn to spot warning signs and act on them.
  • If you plan a long journey, take it in stages. Do not remain behind the wheel for more than three hours without a break.

Be Patient & Pay Attention

  • Don't yell or use obscene gestures.
  • Don't block the passing lane. Stay to the right if you are obstructing the flow of traffic.
  • Always signal when changing lanes. Use your horn sparingly.
  • Don't tailgate.
  • Cooperate and don't compete on the road. Let other drivers merge into traffic in an orderly fashion.
  • Don't take another's actions personally. Everybody makes mistakes.

Avoid A Driving Assault

  • Don't react to another driver's uncivil behavior--avoid eye contact and don't tailgate, accelerate, brake or swerve suddenly, which can be seen as confrontational.
  • If confronted by an aggressive driver, go to the nearest police station if you continue to be hassled or think you are being followed.
  • Lock your doors.
  • When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to pull out from behind the car you are following.
  • Don't be tempted to start a fight or carry any sort of weapon. These acts may provoke an assault.

Comments (4)

Joey Slaughter

Joey Slaughter is the owner of Blue Ridge Transport, LLC. Joey has been in the trucking industry since 1992.

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I agree Craig. My daughter received her license a few months ago and she was only taught the bare minimum to operate a vehicle safely in a sparsely populated area. I guess everything is "on the job training". Maybe a class in anger management along with driving skills? I doubt that'll ever happen so we must prepare to deal with road rage.

October 01, 2013 10:59:46 AM

Very good advise Joey. Just yesterday I read is our local paper of a road rage incident between a 4-wheeler and a bicyclist. The 4-wheel driver got mad at the 2-wheeler and tried to run him off the road, both stopped at an intersection and the 4-wheel driver confronted the 2-wheel operator. The 2-wheel operator pulled a knife and stabbed the 4-wheel driver sending him to the hospital. Just a little scary if you ask me.

Maybe the DMVs across the country need to institute a mandatory refresher course about road rage, safe driving around 18-wheelers and a few other key topics in order for one to renew their license.

October 01, 2013 10:50:08 AM

That is excellent advice Henry. Just make sure they're not behind you as get off at the next exit, they may interpret your stopping as wanting a confrontation.

October 01, 2013 6:17:33 AM

Great advise Joey. I remember a tip that was given to me many many years ago when dealing road rage. When you have someone raising your blood pressure get off at the next exit walk around the truck once then return to the highway and you wont see that person again. Problem solved and its a good time to look over your tires as a bonus.

October 01, 2013 5:45:38 AM