There Nothing to Gain from Road Rage

Overtaking, driving too close or honking like crazy are only some of the reasons why a driver would suddenly lose his cool. For daily drivers, it seems that the need to hold their temper has become a critical part in car driving safety often leading to accidents or something even uglier like physical altercations.

A person does not realize the effects of such road rage habits. For one, there is nothing to gain by being first or showing off your driving skills. There is no prize to be won nor should there be anything to compete on. Hence, the lack of driving education and courtesy is apparent, especially for drivers who have not yet met accidents. Normally, it is only then would they heed their mistakes and then drive defensively which should always be the case.

Here are some things you may want to consider to avoid aggressive driving as enumerated by AAA:

Don’t offend

• Signal when changing lanes and merging. Avoid cutting off other drivers.
• Do not drive slowly in the left lane. If faster traffic wants to pass, move to the right lane.
• Allow a two to four second space between your car and the vehicle ahead of you to prevent tailgating.
• Keep your hands on the wheel. Obscene gestures often incite other drivers.

Don’t engage

• Do not take other driver’s actions personally. There may be a reason why another driver is speeding or driving erratically.
• Give aggressive drivers lots of space.
• Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers.
• Get help. If possible, drive to a safe public place where you can park and call police. Going to your home leads a potentially violent person to where you live.
• Do not get out of your car.

Adjust your behavior

• Forget winning; driving is not a contest.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. Eliminate your need to rush.
• Practice relaxation. Soothing music and deep breathing help you arrive at your destination in a calmer frame of mind.
• If you find yourself driving angrily on a regular basis, ask for help. An anger management course may dramatically change your attitude.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, aggressive driving, changing lanes, deep breathing, driving education, driving safety, eye contact, frame of mind, hands on the wheel, obscene gestures, physical altercations, practice relaxation, road rage, soothing music, temper, traffic, violent person