Road rage is a growing problem everywhere, including Florida. However, road rage in Florida today is a larger problem than in any other state. Since 2014 Florida leads the nation in the number of road rage incidents. The most likely cause is an ever growing population in the state. When there are more people that the infrastructure can support frustrations will mount and unfortunately so much so that some drivers take actions into their own hands when confrontation occurs. With a higher probability of being involved in a road rage incident in Florida, we wanted to provide some information on the topic try to prevent it. It starts with an awareness of your own actions that could trigger another driver. Remember that you don’t now the attitude state of the people in the vehicles around you. One driving mistake whether intentional or not may trigger another driver.
Some of the more common aggressive driving behaviors that can trigger another driver include:
- Tailgating the driver in front of you.
- Brake-checking the car behind you.
- Deliberately blocking lanes to prevent other drivers from changing lanes.
- Intentionally cutting off another driver.
- Yelling obscenities at another driver.
- Using obscene hand gestures.
- Laying on the horn and holding it down on purpose.
- Exiting your vehicle to confront the other driver.
- “Stalking” the other vehicle to intentionally confront the other driver.
- Crashing into the other vehicle intentionally.
- Forcing the other driver off the road.
- Threatening another driver in an aggressive manner.
- Throwing any object out of the window at the other driver.
Getting involved in a road rage situation can be very scary, as you do not know what the other driver is thinking or how they will respond. If you are on the receiving end of their rage, the best thing to do is to put as much distance as possible between you and the enraged driver. Additionally, do not hesitate to call 911 if you feel your safety is at risk.
Raising Awareness with Traffic School
The best way to avoid getting angry yourself is by always practicing the helpful defensive driving techniques each time you get behind the wheel. Some of the habits you want to practice include:
- Use a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you.
- Use your turn signals to indicate lane changes and turns.
- Never tailgate the driver in front of you.
- Show respect for other drivers on the road.
- Be courteous when stuck in traffic jams.
- Expect the unexpected, as not all drivers will drive defensively.
- Learn how to let it go and calm down by taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly while counting to ten if another driver starts to anger you.
- Never weave in and out of traffic.
- Obey posted speed limits.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Avoid distractions and never drive when drowsy.
- Put the smartphone down and pay attention to the road.
Complete a Florida Traffic School Course Online
Traffic School in Florida doesn’t have to be only when you get a ticket. All Florida drivers can also benefit from completing a Florida traffic school course online. There are different online courses to choose from, ranging from 4-hour basic and 8-hour intermediate to 12-hour advanced driver improvement courses.
The Florida basic driver improvement course is the best place to start for a refresher on defensive driving and current traffic laws and rules. Plus, you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance.
Learn more about these Florida driver improvement courses and register online today at Ticket School! You may also call us at (800) 558-9887 if you have further questions or need assistance with registration.