| ROAD RAGE | |
How To Avoid Road Rage
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DON'T OFFEND
Practicing basic driving courtesies is the first step to reducing road rage. The following are key sources of driver anger that you should avoid on the road.
--Cutting it close
Leave plenty of space between your car and others when you merge or another driver merges in front of you. Always signal first. If you make a mistake, carefully adjust to a courteous driving behavior.
--Slower traffic to the right
Remember to try to reserve the left lane for faster traffic. If you're in the left lane and the person behind you wants to pass, move over and let them by. If they're speeding, it's better that they are unhappy with a ticket than angry with you.
--Space invaders
Strive for at least a three second space between your car and the car ahead. (When you see the car in front pass a fixed point, you should be able to count "one-thousand, two-thousand, three-thousand" before you pass that point.) If you pass, don't get too close to the leading vehicle. If the driver behind you is too close, give him or her an opportunity to pass.
--Don't demonstrate you emotions
Obscene gestures are sure to anger anyone. Keep your hands on the wheel and avoid any expressions of irritation, even shaking your head. While not all drivers will be as courteous, your efforts will go a long way in protecting yourself.
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DON'T ENGAGE
--Steer clear
Give angry drivers lots of room. If another driver is trying to pick a fight or get too close, back off and keep as much space as possible between you and the other vehicle. Never pull off to the side of the road.
--Avoid eye contact
Looking at another driver can turn the situation personal by acknowledging him or her. Keep your eyes focused on the road.
--Get help
If you feel threatened by another driver, get help. Use a cellular phone to call the police from your car or drive to a populated place such as a police station, shopping center or hospital. Honk you horn for added attention. Do not get our of your car Do not go home.
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
You can't control the actions of others, but you can control your own. The following tips can help you take a safer, more positive approach to driving.
--Put time on your side
Instead of trying to beat the clock, give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going. When you race to be somewhere, you tend to compete with other drivers. Leaving a few minutes sooner and listening to soothing music or an audio book will help make for a more relaxing trip.
--Put yourself in their shoes
A person could be rushing to the hospital or be late for an important interview and is driving erratically as a result. You don't know the reason, but chances are it's not you. So don't take it personally. Just let them by.
--Change starts within
If you're a stressful driver, take a course in anger management or pick up a self-help book on stress reduction. You'll improve your driving, attitude and your health by reducing your risk of a heart attack or other stress related ailments. While violent, aggressive driving is on the rise, you don't have to fall victim to it. Try these tips for a more positive approach whenever you get behind the wheel.
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