I used to think a slightly different way when I was younger. That these bad drivers needed to be taught a lesson. I would always catch up to them at a red light and shake my head no in disapproval and do a thumbs down.

Then one day a driver I did that to stuck his hand out the window and waved a handgun in my direction. Looks like he had something to prove and wanted to teach me a lesson, too.

Lesson learned: no matter what, you never, ever try to shame, scold, escalate, or “teach a lesson” to another driver. Ever. You have no idea what that person may do, and how quickly they can end your life. Would be a shame for you to wind up on the news as a dead person and your family to learn you were killed due to road rage.

Over a decade since that incident, I’m married and would never do such a thing. If I had children, especially when in my car, I’d hate for them to see negative/retaliation behavior come from me - or worse, for them to see me exhibit any kind of road rage. I’m now older, wiser, and a much safer driver and better human being all around.

Granted if someone tried a hit and run, I’d be on the phones with the cops and would follow them from a distance enough to get a good description and tag numbers.

Edit: Yes, I’m American. How did you know?