| The country's streets and freeways
are getting more crowded all the time. Inevitably, crowded streets
are more dangerous than empty ones - the more cars and drivers,
the more likely drivers are to make mistakes. For more and more
drivers, it seems the solution to this congestion and frustration
is to get mad, and try to get even.
Road rage may have a catchy name, but it is a serious, extremely
unpleasant fact of life. It is dangerous, and will only increase
as long as drivers feed each other's anger and desire to teach others
a lesson. The topic is discussed daily around the office, at home,
in police stations and in the media, but it is subjective and probably
impossible to measure accurately. What one person may consider an
act of road rage may seem to another just a defensive driving move.
Driver behavior that could fall under the "road rage"
category ranges over a broad spectrum, from mumbled or shouted insults
and hand gestures to intimidating driving, throwing objects or,
at its most extreme, using weapons or using cars as weapons.
Whether or not experts can tell us exactly how many incidents
occur each year, we all know that aggressive drivers are out there
- and that they are frightening and dangerous. Those who study the
issue (many of whom are mental health professionals), attribute
the phenomenon to factors such as:
- People feel anonymous inside their cars, and do things they
would never do in a roomful of people they know
- Experiencing the power of driving one's car can be a way to
blow off steam
- The assorted stresses and problems of day-to-day life magnify
situations on the road
- Driving, in itself, is at times a stressful and dangerous activity
- Partly due to the ease with which people can obtain a U.S.
drivers license, there are many people on the road who may be
unfamiliar with driving customs - and what is merely a lack of
understanding can appear rude
No matter what the cause, aggressive, inconsiderate behavior on
the road can have serious consequences. At the very least, the stress
of dealing with road rage takes a toll on us and lessens our enjoyment
of our cars, streets and communities. At the worst, people can be
injured or killed, property can be damaged and offenders can pay
a steep price in the form of criminal records, fines and jail time,
restitution to victims, loss of license and higher insurance rates.
As pervasive as the problem is, its solution couldn't be simpler.
Drivers could simply choose to be more respectful of others on the
road.
Tips for aggressive drivers
- Know how much a ticket costs? While driving, think about the
amount (say, $275) and think about what you could do with that
money if you didn't have to pay a ticket.
- Think about how the people you care most about would feel if
they witnessed your aggressive behavior. And think about how you
would feel if someone treated them the way you may be treating
others on the road.
- Lead by example. Drive the way you want other people to drive.
This may mean having to swallow your pride or back away from aggression,
but it beats an accident.
- If you find yourself annoyed or angry in the car, force yourself
to think about something positive. What are you most thankful
for? What makes you most happy?
- Try listening to a classical or jazz station. It can be very
calming.
- Resist the urge to teach other drivers a lesson. Remind yourself
that they'll learn it eventually without your help.
- Just as an exercise, let someone in ahead of you in traffic.
Do it a few times. Spread the politeness.
How to avoid conflict and make our roads safer
• Be a polite driver. Always use your blinkers, pull all
the way into turn lanes when you're making a turn, and don't follow
too closely. When someone is driving behind you and wants to go
faster than you're going, pull over.
• If you make a mistake, give an "I'm sorry wave"
- you may have to do it more than once to be sure you're seen -
to acknowledge an error.
• Don't challenge aggressive drivers. Avoid them at all costs.
Take an unintended turn or highway exit to get away from someone
who may be targeting you.
• Resist the urge to teach other drivers a lesson. Remind
yourself that they'll learn it eventually without your help.
Report behavior that is alarming or seems extremely dangerous.
You can't be sure the highway patrol or local law enforcement will
be able to respond, but it's possible. And it could possibly save
lives and property.
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