Dealing with road rage
The term 'road rage' originated in the United States back in the 1980s following a number of shootings on a freeway in Los Angeles. Since then the term has often been used in the UK when relating to aggressive or violent incidents on our roads. Fortunately it is extremely unlikely that incidents in the UK would ever involve firearms thankfully.
What causes Road Rage
Why do people behave this way? It could be because they are having a bad day, are over tired, they think they are a better driver than you ... who knows. Every driver makes their own choices and there could be a multitude of reasons why they decide to drive the way they do.
What to do if you are being intimidated
Some people have an aggressive nature both in and out of the driving seat, others seem to develop some kind of personality change the minute they get behind the wheel! Whatever the reason, the best way to cope with someone like this is to not get involved, otherwise it could just make things worse. Here are a few tips to avoid problems with aggressive drivers.
- If someone makes any aggressive gestures at you, do not be intimidated. Do not be tempted to make gestures yourself as this may just antagonise and encourage them. Do nothing and ignore them - hopefully sooner or later they will leave you alone
- Avoid eye contact with the other driver. If they sense that their actions are affecting you, they are more likely to continue
- If you are on a dual carriageway or motorway and someone flashes their lights at you because they want to get passed - let them, but only if it is safe for you to do so
- Always drive carefully and safely, and never let an aggressive driver distract or intimidate you into making risky manoeuvres
How not to become an aggressive driver yourself
It's true we can all get a little irate sometimes if someone makes a poor judgment on the road. What you have to remember is, we all make mistakes and it's really not worth getting annoyed about it. Losing your temper whilst controlling a moving vehicle is both pointless and potentially dangerous. To avoid becoming aggressive to others on the road, consider the following:-
- If you are angry or are gesturing at another driver, you are not in full control of your vehicle. Stay in control of yourself and your vehicle
- Get plenty of sleep before any long journeys. Lack of sleep makes most people irritable - so try to avoid it
- Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. They may be a new inexperienced driver or perhaps an older driver who likes to drive cautiously
- Try to allow more than enough time for your journey. Check news reports for any road works or poor weather conditions
- Being in a hurry to pass a slow driver will probably only save you a couple of minutes, so try not to let it bother you,
- Remember that it's better to be arrive slightly late safely, than to not arrive at all because you have had an accident
No need to claim on your insurance
Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
No excess to pay
Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle
Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs
If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Legal Assistance
Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.
They issues they can assist you with include:
They issues they can assist you with include:
- Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
- Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
- Recovery of all repair costs
- Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
- Seeking financial compensation for an injury
