Motorcyclists must be wary of road rage and the serious consequences that follow

First published by Admin on July 19, 2017 in the following categories: Bike Safety and tagged with road rage | road safety

Road rage is extremely common when driving on the roads. Although the Highway Code gives us a comprehensive set of rules and guidance for safe driving, in practice, not all road users choose to follow it correctly. Whilst it’s fine to click your tongue or frown at poor driving from fellow road users, road rage is not only bad for your blood pressure levels, but it can also actually lead to serious accidents.

And bikers are, as always, often at greater risk of serious harm…

In a video posted by Essex Police, a motorcyclist who was rudely and inappropriately overtaken and cut off by a white van ends up crashing minutes later. The video shows the motorcyclist catching up with the van to convey his anger towards the van driver; all the while accidentally veering into the middle of the opposite lane. By the time the motorcyclist realises he’s too far across the centre lane, on oncoming vehicle unfortunately crashes into him.

The injured biker was taken to the hospital by air ambulance. He suffered life-changing injuries as a result of road rage.

We must stay calm…

Road rage not only figuratively makes people see red but it can literally impact a road user’s ability to safely move on the road. When road rage ensues, the angered road user may lessen their concentration on the road and focus their attention to the vehicle at fault. This is not only dangerous for the road user but also for everyone around them. For motorcyclists, the risk of danger is even higher as lots of other drivers often don’t like sharing roads with them due to their lessened visibility. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers.

Accidents on the road also pose a much bigger problem for motorcyclists as sudden swerving or accidental impact can throw the rider off and cause significant injury.

Road rage usually includes honking, rude gestures and tailgating. Quite often, those who receive aggressive behaviour will return the gesture; and two road users fighting whilst in control of motorised vehicles puts all road users in the vicinity at risk.

It’s safer to let it slide…

Look, we know bikers are often on the wrong end of some bad driving from other road users. But we must keep our cool; for our own sakes, and for the sakes of others.

Engaging in road rage behaviour can only serve to put people at risk of serious danger. As we saw in the video footage released by Essex Police, the biker, in airing his anger at the van driver who arguably manoeuvred around him dangerously, ended up seriously injured.

Don’t give in to road rage; it’s simply not worth it.

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