Responding to Road Rage

Road rage has become a common part of America society, one that we see every day. And bicyclists are a part of it. Drivers do things that annoy bikers, bikers do things that annoy drivers. I watched a woman on a bike and a motorcyclist curse at each other for three blocks on Chestnut St. last week.

But when these confrontations escalate, it is most often the bicyclists that gets injured.

So it's especially important for bicyclists to be wary of getting involved in road rage confrontations, no matter how angry you get. Bob Mionske has written an in-depth article on how to respond to road rage from both a legal and personal perspective. I'll highlight some of his points:

• The first rule is: don’t engage with rage. It’s natural to want to respond with anger, but when you do, you become involved in an escalating battle. Besides, the driver has the laws of physics on his side. If he decides to use his vehicle to force you off the road you’ll almost certainly be injured.
  

• Furthermore, if you do something that makes you look like the instigator, legally you will lose if you are called upon to explain your actions.

• Road rage is often about venting or looking to provoke a response. By not responding, you avoid angering a driver further, nor do you give him/her fuel to "justify" further aggression.
  

• Remember, your goal here is justice, not retaliation. Instead of allowing your words or actions to portray you as a mutual combatant, get the contact information for any witnesses to the incident, and report the incident to law enforcement. (Even if law enforcement takes no action, it is essential to create a record, as in the recent California case where previous records helped lead to a conviction and jail time).
  

• Be an Ambassador for Cycling. It’s easy for all of us—motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians—to forget the importance of cooperative and supportive behavior that would help us all to safely get where we are going.

• We have the power to change that, however, when we lead by example.

Read the rest of the article here.

If you are interested in more ways to lead by example, sign our I Bike PHL Pledge to be a safe cyclist!

Photo from UrbaniteBaltimore Mag.