Helpful Driving Information

ROAD RAGE ON THE RISE

Throughout the country, public awareness and concern over aggressive drivers and road rage is growing. Some studies indicate that a growing number of people are actually more fearful of aggressive drivers than drunk drivers.
Aggressive driving is truly dangerous and is part of the "zero tolerance" legislation under consideration in several states to increase penalties for aggressive drivers.

ROAD RAGE ON THE RISE

A road rage incident might start with flashing high-beams, aggressive tailgating, or shaking fists. This may then lead to a high-speed chase that ends either in a collision or someone pulling a trigger.

Often the incident that triggered the emotional outburst may have been something quite trivial. For example, some incidents are clearly intentional acts, such as when a driver moves from lane to lane in an effort to go around other vehicles. But other times, changing lanes may be unintentionally sudden, such as when a driver is about to miss an exit and makes an abrupt lane change without a proper turn signal.

ROAD RAGE ON THE RISE

This is a fairly common occurrence and would not ordinarily be expected to trigger road rage. But, keep in mind that a 3,000-pound vehicle in the hands of a hostile driver is a lethal weapon.

Why do you think road rage occurs? Here are factors that may contribute to road rage:

• Crowded roads which create tension, impatience, and more opportunity for drivers to interact
• Immaturity, poor attitude
• The anonymous nature of driving which empowers some people because nobody knows who they are
• Racial disrespect or prejudice

• "I'm going to be late if I don't hurry up."
• "Why are these cars going so slow?"
• "We'll never make it."
• "If only I had gone a little faster, I could've made it."

DRIVING ERRORS THAT CAN LEAD TO ROAD RAGE
Dangerous thinking:

What are the kinds of thoughts that can lead to dangerous moves on the road?

• "All of these cars are trying to squeeze in and crowd me out!"
• "Ha! I'll speed up and show him!"
• "Let's see what happens when I tailgate this car in front of me."
• "This guy's driving too slowly!"

Anger at other drivers behavior is at the root of road rage and can be evidenced in small ways, such as:

• Sudden braking to scare a tailgater or to teach them a lesson
  
• Routinely exceeding speed limits by more than 10 mph
  
• Changing lanes without signaling
  
• Cruising in the passing lane
  

To handle aggressive drivers, follow these rules:

• Do not react to insults, gestures, or other rude behavior.
• Do not respond in any way, either verbally or behaviorally, other than to back off and give the aggressive driver room to "leave."
• Stay away from drivers who are speeding or exhibiting another form of anxiety.
• Do not engage the aggressive driver—do not establish eye contact.
• Do not try to gain the upper hand and never try to teach someone a "lesson."

HOW TO HANDLE ROAD RAGE

Here are some positive ways to handle road rage in other drivers as well as in yourself:

• Be tolerant.
• Be forgiving and realize that you make mistakes too.
• Be helpful and courteous to every driver, even rude ones.
• Develop a sense of humor.

HOW TO HANDLE ROAD RAGE

• Be physically fit. A good exercise regimen is an excellent way to blow off steam.
  
• Eat properly and get enough rest.
  
• Confide in a friend on a regular basis—don't let your emotions pile up. Talk them out.