Summer Road Rage: Drivers’ Tempers Heating Up

After the rainy winter and spring in Vancouver, most people are looking forward to a nice warm summer, complete with trips to the beach and vacations. However, CBC points out that increased heat, construction and the feeling of being less cooped up during the warmer months leads to a “seasonal road rage spike”. They give the example of a motorist tailgating a family vehicle, before angrily pulling up next to it and throwing a steel block through the car’s window, sending a baby and a five-year-old to the hospital.

The courts have confirmed that in these circumstances where items are thrown at one car from another, ICBC is liable, since “the use or operation of the vehicle contributes to or adds to the injury in some manner or if a connection is found between the use and operation of the vehicle and the injury.” Because the car helped the aggressor throw the object, it was during their use of the vehicle.

CBC offers the following tips for dealing with road rage:

• Don’t react to provocation.
• Keep your distance from erratic drivers.
• Don’t make eye contact with aggressive drivers.
• Use your horn only when it will help the other driver.
• Switch lanes only when necessary and use your signal.
• Don’t tailgate.
• Don’t block passing lanes.
• Don’t take more than one parking space.
• Always be polite and courteous. The other driver’s not the enemy.
• Take deep breaths.

If you are a driver, passenger or pedestrian who has been injured as a result of road rage, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. John Mickelson Law Corporation can help you acquire financial assistance and medical treatment. Our ICBC lawyers have the experience needed to maximize your personal injury settlement. Call us at (604) 684-0040 for a free consultation in our Vancouver or Surrey offices.

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