(((hugs)))
Take it from someone who has been followed nearly for 18 years... you never feel comfortable when it happens. Mine is understood and I can pick the PI out quite quickly... and it's still distressing. I have had your type of experience also, and it is SO scarey!

I learned FIRST if it's an agressive driver DO NOT EVEN LOOK AT THEM. If you do not make eye contact they are reduced in power. Actually you enticed and contributed to HIS rage and attention problem by laughing. I hope you can continue to improve on how you handle such drivers.

Have you thought about carrying pepper spray? If an accident had occurred, and physical confrontation happened, having this item to combat them might be a good thing.

Once I had a driver that was having a bad day (or life?)... he was in the lane closest to me and had his turn signal on... and he was slowing... (the light was red too.) I pulled into traffic in front of him... no problem. He went ballistic. He wasn't turning. At the light he actually got out of his car and came over 2 lanes to my window. I didn't make eye contact with him (though the other drivers who did nothing but stare did see me look at them!) I carry, so I knew if he continued to be agressive I could get out physically ok... but it sure takes an emotional toll on you, eh?

If you don't "allow" them the enjoyment of taking their problems out on you, they might well find someone else. Calling 911 is a good thing (I've done that too when a guy on the turnpike wouldn't let me pass, then slowed, sped up etc.) I also have a sign in the car I can hold up that says "Call Police, Send Help" lol

Today I had a truck driver behind me... way too close... and on the turnpike at 70 mph with another truck in the side lane... and traffic in front of me. I had time to stop if I needed, but HE sure didn't (and trucks aren't allowed in the left hand lane anyway!) But I did what the Highway Patrol says to: slow down. It made him upset at first, but somehow he realized what he was doing and moved over from behind me.

With more and more rageful drivers (and I have been one from time to time in the past) we need to find ways to combat them and stay safe. I'm glad this worked out well for you after all!