Know what to do during a road rage incident? Use these tips to drive safe in Charlotte

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The death of a CATS bus driver has raised concerns about instances of road rage in the Charlotte area and what motorists can do to stay safe.

The shooting of Ethan Rivera was the fourth “aggravated assault” that was “the result of road rage” in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police’s Central Division recently, Commander Brad Koch said at a press conference on the case. And Charlotte has seen “a relative increase of about 10%” in calls for service related to road rage since 2020, he added.

But, police and road safety experts say, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

“While there’s no indication that any of Mr. Rivera’s actions led him to becoming a victim,” Koch said, “our community members can help prevent road rage incidents from escalating into violence by following a few very safe, simple tips.”

What is road rage?

AAA defines road rage as “extreme cases of aggressive driving,” including “cursing and rude or obscene gestures, throwing objects, ramming, sideswiping and forcing a driver off the road.”

How to avoid road rage and stay safe around aggressive drivers

In the wake of the Rivera shooting and other road rage instances, CMPD offered some recommendations for how to avoid road rage situations and what to do if you’re confronted by an aggressive driver:

• Don’t engage in arguments with other motorists.
• Don’t be an aggressive driver or a retaliatory driver.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Be courteous and forgiving to other drivers.

AAA also recommends not making eye contact with aggressive drivers, staying calm if someone is being aggressive to you and making sure to “follow the rules of the road,” such as using turn signals and using your high beams “responsibly.”

If you do feel unsafe while driving, AAA advises, you should call 911 or “drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital or fire station.”

This story was originally published February 16, 2022 at 3:40 PM.

Mary Ramsey

The Charlotte Observer

Mary Ramsey is the local government accountability reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she studied journalism at the University of South Carolina and has also worked in Phoenix, Arizona and Louisville, Kentucky. Support my work with a digital subscription