Cycling has always been a hobby for you, but you’ve recently stepped it up a gear and made it your number one mode of transportation. This brings numerous benefits such as helping you stay healthy, benefitting the environment and minimizing expenses.
Sadly, there are some drawbacks. Some drivers don’t take too kindly to cyclists and view them as intruders on the road. Many drivers even get very angry, which can lead to dangerous road rage incidents. As a cyclist, how should you handle angry drivers?
Avoid confrontation
If a driver is goading you, it can be tempting to react. This is never in your best interests. Getting into a confrontation will only serve to escalate the situation. If possible, ignore the driver no matter what they are shouting at you. This doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything, however.
Document the incident
Instead of getting into a confrontation, there are a number of useful things that you can do. Take a note of the vehicle make, model and registration if possible. Try to remember what the driver looked like. This will be very useful when it comes to filing a police report later. You may opt to go one step further by recording the entire thing. More and more cyclists are utilizing helmet and bike cameras to help ensure their safety. This way, law enforcement can get a good view of precisely what happened.
You take every possible precaution as a cyclist. You’re careful, conscientious and always make sure that you’re in visible clothing. Unfortunately, this isn’t always enough, and you could still be caught up in an accident. If the negligence of a driver has caused you injuries, then you may be able to hold them to account. Obtaining legal guidance will help you to assert your rights.