Road rage
Contents
What is road rage?
The term 'road rage' has become increasingly more common in the UK. It generally refers to drivers acting aggressively. This can take a variety of forms, including:
- Flashing headlights
- Driving within inches of the car in front ('tailgating')
- Aggressive use of the horn
- Verbal abuse
- Aggressive or rude gestures
- Physical attack on other drivers and their vehicles
- Cutting a vehicle off in a lane after overtaking it
If you lose your temper when driving, this isn't an offence in itself. However, it can lead to criminal behaviour.
How to avoid becoming a victim
Even a minor disagreement can end up in a serious situation. The following safety tips can help protect you against becoming a victim of this increasing problem:
- Remember that you don't know the other drivers and what they're capable of
- Keep all doors locked and if you have to open windows only partially open them
- Avoid provoking other drivers through eye contact, gestures and flashing lights
- Don't leave your car and try to 'have a go' at another driver
- Avoid tailgating
- If someone follows you, drive to the nearest police station or crowded public place
What is the law guide
The Desktop Lawyer law guide aims to present the law to you in a comprehensive yet jargon-free and easy-to-read format. Our law guide is constantly kept up to date with changes in business and family law by our team of in house solicitors, and includes information across all the legal jurisdictions in the UK.
Our law guide is free to use. Where we provide documents related to this area of law, or where they may help you with any legal issue in this area, they will be listed to the right of this message.