TRI-CITIES, Wash. – The Richland Police Department posted on Facebook about a reckless driving incident where a woman was followed for 10 minutes before officers intervened.
According to Driving Instructor Jeff Gerig, students experience road rage as they learn to drive and he treats it as a learning opportunity.
“We notice the road rage. We even get it in our cars when we’re out there,” Gerig said.
When working with students in driving school, he sees road rage all the time. He tells students when it happens to not engage.
“And don’t try to engage with these people when they engage with you,” said Gerig. “Just slow down. Move away, back up, no eye-contact, no return gestures.”
He said when aggressive driving incidents escalate, it can lead to serious consequences.
Sgt. Shawn Swanson with the Richland Police Department said the incident in Richland started after one driver cut someone off.
“At one point, she didn’t know if he was going to get out assaulter or what, especially when he’s blocking her in. So that’s where the line was crossed,” said Sgt. Swanson.
He recommends calling 9-1-1 if aggressive driving does escalate and to avoid going right back to your home. Instead, he recommends going somewhere public and well-lit to get help.
For those who do get frustrated on the road, he recommends letting it go.
“What we’re asking people is just take a breath,” said Swanson. “Understand that mistakes happen and move on with your life.”
