Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Blog

Whether it is early morning, late afternoon, or mid-day traffic, drivers sometimes have trouble keeping their cool. When traffic seems to appear and disappear without reason, it may be enough to make drivers very frustrated. However, just as a child’s temper tantrum doesn’t help their situation, road rage does not get drivers to their destination any faster. As Arizona car accident attorneys, we encourage drivers to take a moment to breathe instead of doing something that may put themselves and/or others in danger.

A mother put herself and her 15 year old daughter in danger on Thursday when road rage got the best of her, causing her to roll her SUV (AZ Republic via AZ Central 9/30/10). Both were ejected from the vehicle and sent to the hospital with serious injuries. The police officers reported that the SUV and a red Mercedes were stopped at a light and were trying to beat each other through the intersection as the two lanes merged. The SUV had been in front when the Mercedes cut them off and hit the brakes, which led to the mother swerving to avoid a collision, and in turn rolling her vehicle. The other driver kept driving from the scene.

When sharing the road with road-raged drivers, it is best to give them room. Follow posted speed limit signs and traffic laws, and if you’re approached by a road-rage or aggressive driver, get out of the way. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that aggressive driving accounts for almost 1/3 of all accidents and a resulting 2/3 of total fatalities.

If you find yourself starting to lose your cool as you sit in traffic on the 10 or the 202, try taking these few steps to calm yourself:
1. Listen to relaxing music, a comedy channel, or an audio book—Loud, “aggressive” music may increase your stress level.
2. Fake a smile and hold it for 30 seconds—Even though you are consciously faking it, your facial muscles don’t know the difference, and will communicate that to your brain. Don’t be surprised when you feel a little better.
3. Don’t take things personally—When you are cut off or someone is driving erratically, realize they probably aren’t getting a kick out of making you angry.
4. Use restaurant etiquette—Good manners will keep your actions in check. If you are cut in line at the movies or lets a door close in front of you, usually there is no resulting brawl. Apply the same manners to your driving habits.