Driving in Texas can be a uniquely frustrating experience. Many people drive as though they own the roads. They act with little concern for others. That can mean failing to use a blinker, cutting someone off or tailgating another driver. Those are only a few examples of rage-inducing driving practices common on Texas roadways.
Regardless of how poorly someone handles a vehicle, you should do your best to remain calm. Losing your temper on the road can lead to incidents of road rage, which can have serious criminal consequences for both parties involved.
Do your best to let go of emotional reactions at the wheel
Someone else acting immaturely or aggressively on the road can cause very strong negative emotions. After all, you don’t deserve to be treated poorly just because you’re sharing the road with someone else. Most people can yell a few angry words at their windshield and get out with their day.
However, sometimes you may experience a perfect traffic storm. You may already be in a bad mood or have experienced a bad day. Then you cross paths with a driver who is abusive or inappropriate behind the wheel.
Suddenly, you are overtaken with the desire to hold that person accountable for mistreating you. This could lead you to roll down your window and scream profanities or threats. Other times, it could mean you decide to follow the car and confront that person. Either of these actions will likely prove to be a mistake.
Threats or actual violence can lead to criminal consequences
You may think that your angry words are meaningless, but the other driver may not see it this way. If you showed that you intend to hurt them or one of their family members, that person could fear for their life.
The fear could mean they contact law enforcement. In some cases, if there is reason to believe it was a credible threat, you could face criminal charges for making a threat against another driver.
Of course, actually getting violent with another driver is even worse, especially if there are weapons involved. No matter how frustrating someone’s driving has been, that does not excuse you striking or assaulting that driver. If you cause the person bodily injury, you could face both criminal charges and the potential for a lawsuit in the future.
No matter how angry another driver may make you, you should do your best to let go of those negative emotions. Holding on to them will only make you feel worse. Acting on them could cause all kinds of problems for you.
Don’t let road rage get the best of you. Accept the fact that you can’t control how other people drive and commit yourself to a nonviolent approach to aggressive and inappropriate driving practices from other people on the road.