Road Rage: Don't Engage!
We live in a hurry-up world. It seems like we're always rushing, and if someone's mistakes cause us to be late, we're not happy!
Keep your temper in check, though, to avoid one of the most dangerous road conditions of all: road rage.
Driving when you're stressed and tired leads to the aggressive driving traits—tailgating, weaving wildly through traffic, honking, rude hand signs—that are the early stages of road rage.
Reduce your own stress on the roadway by allowing enough time for the trip ahead. If traffic snarls wreck your schedule, remember that you have no control over the roadways. Keep a supply of restful music in the glove box to defuse frustration.
If an aggressive driver catches you at the wrong moment and you are tempted to take the bait and get into a driving duel, remind yourself that an impulsive action could ruin the rest of your life.
Do your best to drive respectfully, paying attention to rules and considerate behavior. This will help you avoid being the target of an aggressive driver.
- Don't tailgate.
- Use your horn sparingly.
- Don't block passing lanes.
- Don't switch lanes without signaling.
- Avoid blocking the right-hand turn lane.
- If you travel slowly, keep to the right and allow traffic to pass.
- Avoid unnecessary use of high-beam headlights.
- No matter how provoked, don't make obscene gestures.
- Don't let the cell phone distract you.
- Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn't. Avoid all conflict if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and get out of the way.
Source: American Automobile Association
Published 08/10/07
