For anyone who drives regularly, it is inevitable that you will encounter aggressive drivers from time to time. They may ride your bumper, honk, make rude gestures, weave in and out of traffic, and cut you off. You will almost certainly be tempted to respond in kind. However, that kind of behavior can be dangerous to everyone involved—and if there is an accident, their attorney might claim you were the one at fault. Below are some suggestions on how to handle over-angry people on the road.

How to Deal With Antagonistic Drivers

1. Ignore Them

As any attorney will advise, the best course is to ignore them. Avoid eye contact, refrain from making gestures, and do nothing to escalate the situation. People who behave like jerks behind the wheel are unpredictable, and any response you make might anger or incite them further. You don't want to get involved in a road rage altercation, particularly if you have passengers in your car.

2. Let Them Pass

If they are indicating they wish to pass you, let them do so, since it at least gets them away from you. However, don’t rely on them to use their turn signals. Watch their body language and the angle the car seems to be moving in to avoid a possible collision.

3. Do a Seat Belt Check

For safety's sake, verify that everyone in the car is wearing their seat belt. You never know what an aggressive driver may do, and you want to be ready if you must take evasive action. Disengage your cruise control, if it is on, and drive defensively until the situation has de-escalated.

Were you involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident caused by an aggressive driver? Turn to the attorneys at Reed & Terry in Sugar Land, TX. They serve clients in and around Fort Bend County and are experts in auto accident law with 50 years of combined legal experience between them. Visit their website to read what previous clients have to say or call (281) 491-5000 for a consultation with an attorney today.