THIS ANGRY DRIVER HAS LEFT ME FEELING VULNERABLE

I had a very upsetting incident a few days ago when I was slightly slow pulling away at some traffic lights. The car behind beeped me and

I have to admit that I made a rude gesture. At the next set of lights, the driver leapt out of his car, came running up to mine, wrenched the door open and looked as if he was about to hit me. He wasn’t young but even so, I’m a slight woman in my mid 60s and it was terrifying. Luckily, a couple of guys smoking outside a nearby pub rushed over, pulled him away and I was able to drive off. It has left me very shaken. I live alone (I’m widowed) and feel anxious and vulnerable.

This must indeed have been very frightening. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. It is appalling to intimidate anyone, and utterly cowardly for a man to threaten a woman with violence. It’s easy to feel like making rude gestures at other drivers but it is actually a very dangerous move because road rage can easily escalate and unfortunately some drivers might even be under the influence of drink or drugs. I think you know that now. Regarding your anxiety, as this is a very recent incident, it may be that it will start to recede in a couple of weeks and you will stop thinking about it all the time. But do talk to friends or family about this and don’t bottle things up. If the anxiety persists, see your GP. You also – understandably – perhaps find living alone difficult since being widowed and maybe this is something you could change, for instance through a home-share scheme. So please call Age UK’S advice line on 0800 678 1602 to talk through your worries.