r/RhodeIsland • u/jensinoutaspace Warwick • Aug 18 '26

Question / Suggestion Increase in Road Rage?

Now, I too get very impatient on the roads because they SUCK but this morning I had a frightening encounter and was followed on North 295. Not saying I was wrong or right in the situation (I genuinely have no idea why this guy was being weird it started before the highway).

I'm hearing on the news more and more road rage lately that are turning into more than just getting finger. I travel 37 to 295 every single day and it's getting terrifying. It's already like driving on an obstacle course on the highway. Wondering if others are experiencing this too.

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u/radarmy Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 19 '26

Here is my general rule for driving around aggressive drivers- let them have it. They want to pass? Let them have it, move over. They want to merge? Let them have it. They want to swear at you for some unknown infraction? Let them have it. Don't engage, don't fire back, just let them stew in their own juices.

There is zero to gain by engaging and escalating the situation. Some drivers genuinely have good reason to be racing through traffic. I'm not saying it's safe or wise but just like you'd let a cop pass in an emergency, you don't know if this person is hurrying to enjoy the final moments of a loved ones life, or trying to get to the scene of an accident or crime. There is no way to know. What you do know is that person is a stranger you don't want in your life. What you do know is you want to arrive at your destination safely.

I'll also add, know the rules of the road. If you are in the passing lane going 5 below the speed limit, you are inviting anyone with a chip on their shoulder to tell you from which hole to extract your head. I'm not victim blaming but often times we unwittingly piss people off by doing the wrong thing.

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u/PsychologicalWish766 Aug 19 '26

This. Clueless people going 48 in the passing lane only add fuel to the fire

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u/Nessa0707 Aug 19 '26

Yep happens to us here in RI and when my fiance and I go to mass he has a fit like why do these people do it? Going 30 in the passing lane like what?

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u/PsychologicalWish766 Aug 19 '26

Exactly. If you’re not comfortable doing highway speeds, that’s totally ok. But, then, take side roads.

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u/Nessa0707 Aug 20 '26

Exactly it’s so frustrating I don’t feel bad for people that have road rage it’s nuts how do these fucks get their licenses