Sunday 23 January 2011

Aggressive driving and road rage.

A while ago, I found -again- people reacting to each other in a very aggressive way while on the road. I came to the idea to look up some more info on this - it seems to be something psychological, so: it's all in the mind. But it's not worth the violence or rage that sometimes follows from this.

Motorists have found themselves in unpleasant situations involving abusive gestures or language from another driver who takes issue with how they drive. Anxiety and frustration can quickly spark an aggressive or careless driver who tailgates, speeds, fails to yield the right of way among other behaviours.
Aggressive driving behaviour may lead to incidents of road rage where motorists have been threatened and/or subjected to retaliatory actions by angry motorists.
If people drive responsibly they will reduce the chances of conflict on the road and help make our roads safer. Experts recommend the following tips to help avoid road conflicts:
  • Plan your route in advance. Some of the most erratic and inconsiderate driving occurs when motorists are lost. Or use a gps.
  • Make a conscious decision not to take your problems with you when driving;
  • Combat the warning signs of stress by getting fresh air and breathing deeply and slowly. Listen to relaxing music;
  • Avoid long drives if you can. If you take a long trip, stop every few hours for a rest. Before and during a long drive, avoid heavy meals which tend to make a person lethargic;
  • Drive in a courteous and considerate manner. Give way at busy intersections and where traffic lanes merge;
  • Don't compete or retaliate. If someone's driving annoys you, don't try to “educate them”. Leave traffic enforcement to the police;
  • Don't take other driver's mistakes personally;
  • Avoid honking your horn unless absolutely necessary and, if you must, tap on it lightly;
  • Say, “Sorry” if you make a mistake. An apology can reduce the risk of conflict;
  • If you are being physically threatened, stay in your car and lock the doors. If you have a cell phone call the police. Use your horn and lights to attract attention;
  • If you think you are being followed, do not drive home. Go to a police station or a busy public place;
  • Don't carry a defensive weapon, it might provoke a potential assailant. 



    If you're lucky, you have a blonde angel with pepperspray in the neighborhood.

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tips. Lots of bad things might happen when you are driving.

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  2. great post im going to show this to my friend who has a serious case of road rage

    http://ectomorphmuscle.blogspot.com/

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  3. it's definitely from anxiety while driving. that's why i often feel like "oh, that was stupid, why did i just rage?"

    86thatish.blogspot.com

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  4. "If someone's driving annoys you, don't try to “educate them”. "

    Omg lol, I should definitely listen to this.

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  5. These are some excellent tips. Sometimes it can be hard to forgive that one guy who you just know cut you off for the fun of it.

    Following and supporting!

    http://autotunedsoul.blogspot.com

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  6. No matter how positive my attitude when I get into the car, within minutes I'm driven to howling rage.

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  7. He was getting stomped out when that high school girl came to the rescue.

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  8. I don't about you guys, but I don't drive without my 12 gauge in the back seat.

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  9. I'm pretty sure these tips will comein handy once I learn to drive, i can feel road rage in me jsut being in a car.

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  10. This should be common sense, except a concealed weapon or something to hurt an attacker may potentially have a use at some point.

    forkfantasy.blogspot.com

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  11. I hate to say it. But I am so guilty of road rage.

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  12. Thanks for the tips!! Awesome post

    Following and supporting

    http://jomak412.blogspot.com/

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  13. huh, that's some good information. and i like how he immediately ran to the car lol. I'm assuming he was getting his cell phone to call the cops. but still, it looks like he was like "see ya later, blondie, you're on your own!"

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