Chill the Road Rage
This entry was posted on 2/15/2008 8:20 PM and is filed under Deadly Driving List,Road Rage.
Source:
http://www.whatsdrivingyou.org/ Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State
This Article is adapted from "Keep Your Cool - CHILL the Road Rage!"
What causes aggressive driving behavior and "Road Rage"? Aggressive driving behavior usually occurs as a result of heavy traffic, hectic schedules, pressure and daily stress. An angry or impatient driver may act out his/her frustrations by driving in a reckless, rude or intimidating manner - such as speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, making obscene gestures and using the horn excessively - endangering other motorists or pedestrians. In its extreme, aggressive driving behavior can escalate into "road rage," when an angry driver takes deliberate, violent action against another motorist.
Follow these guidelines to prevent aggressive driving and road rage:
- Before driving, set aside your stress, anger and worries and make safe driving your priority
- Plan ahead and allow enough time for your trip
- Be courteous and obey the rules of the road
- Do not speed, tailgate or block the passing lane
- Keep your radio at a reasonable volume and avoid using your horn excessively
- Always use your signal when changing lanes. Do not cut off other drivers
- Make your car comfortable by adjusting the temperature or listening to soothing music
- When possible, avoid driving in heavily congested areas and during rush-hour
- Remember, drivers do make mistakes. Do not take driving violations personally, and NEVER RETALIATE
Remember these safety tips when confronted by an aggressive driver or a potential road rage incident:
- Steer clear of the offender
- Do not make eye contact or even look in the direction of the aggressor
- Do not make obscene gestures or swear at other drivers
- Stay calm, and focused and do not react if you are provoked
- You cannot control traffic or the behavior of other drivers; you can only control your own responses
- If you are a victim of violent road rage, drive to a safe place and notify the police immediately
Are you at a risk for committing "road rage"?
- Do you often drive at an excessive speed?
- Do you weave in and out of traffic or cut off other motorists?
- Do you tailgate other vehicles to force them into another lane of traffic?
- Do you yell at or make obscene gestures to other drivers?
- Do you use your horn excessively or blare your radio?
- Do you drive on the shoulders of the road to avoid traffic and pass other cars?
- Do you block the passing lane or purposely try to prevent drivers from moving into your lane?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you have been an aggressive driver and are at risk for road rage. For your safety, please consider implementing some of the above suggestions.
