Aggressive driving: What you should know

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Aggressive driving: What you should know
August 2005

We all can contribute to a decrease and minimization of aggressive driving. Victims of this unfortunate situation will become less if we understand better why this occurs and how to handle situations of aggressive driving by not provoking, avoid confrontation and adaptation.

Unfortunately the number of drivers that get nervous and angry, expressing aggressiveness when driving is increasing. They can become dangerous after having been slowed down, cut off or tailgated.

The majority of drivers who get angry and involved in aggressive driving are men between 18 and 26 years old. However the problem may occur at any age in men and women.

Aggressive driving is a cause of deaths and serious injuries. Statistics from the United States show that between 1990 and 1996, there were 10,000 cases of aggressive driving registered. As result 218 people were killed and 12,610 were injured.

It is therefore important to know about the problem of aggressive driving. By being informed we can avoid becoming a victim of such a behavior. In the same time, we can contribute for a better and safer road and traffic environment.

Certainly there are no perfect methods that can protect us. However by knowing basic facts and following some simple principles, it is possible to avoid difficult unpleasant situations with unforeseen complications.

Aggressive drivers cite various reasons for their behavior. They usually say that another driver did not let them pass, tailgated them or ran them off the road. No matter how unimportant or not these and other reasons appear, they may cause serious consequences when aggressive drivers are involved.

A basic principle to follow, is never to provoke. It is important not to do anything that could cause the anger of any other driver. Avoid cutting someone off. When changing lane do this by signaling in time. If you make a mistake, apologize with an appropriate gesture.

If somebody follows you too closely, let him pass. Even if you are at the allowed upper speed limit, let the other driver pass by. In such a case do not insist because an aggressive driver may get enraged, putting in this way yourselves and other road users in danger.

Some drivers get very angry when a car follows them too closely. Keep a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you.

In case that a car in front of you goes slowly, do not diminish the distance between you and this car. Keep a safe distance so that if something unexpected happens, you will have the time to react.

Avoid gestures, especially obscene ones. Horn should be used rarely. Cautiousness and courtesy minimize the chances of becoming victim of aggressive driving.

A fight cannot take place if only one of the two drivers wants it.

You can protect yourselves by refusing to get angry. If you get angry, you cannot control your feelings and think logically.

In a state of anger you may make things for which you will later regret.

Similarly avoid responding to the provocations of an angry and aggressive driver. In case of continuous provocation from an aggressive driver, try to go away the quickest and soonest possible.

Avoid eye contact with a driver that is angry against you. If you keep eye contact with a driver who is mad at you, it is possible that the situation degenerates and goes quickly out of control.

Do not stop on the side of the road in order to explain yourselves with an aggressive driver. If you realize that the other driver is following you, seek help. You may call the police by using your mobile phone or go to the closest police station. In such a case do not go to your home because the aggressor might get to learn where you live.

Adaptation is a key element for discouraging aggressive driving. For many drivers, driving is perceived and transformed in a competition. Perceiving driving and traveling with your car in different way, can change your attitude in case problems arise.

In order to better understand what is sometimes happening on the road, try to put yourselves in the place of other drivers. May be somebody who appears to be in a rush has a good reason for it and that you are not aware of it. For example it could be a doctor rushing to the hospital or a fireman trying to arrive urgently at his post.

Problems always arise. If you are short in time, you have been late to go somewhere and you find drivers who slow you down, what should you do? Definitely not quarrelling with anybody. By starting earlier, giving yourselves more time, you will be more relaxed and rested during your trip and when you arrive at your destination. In this way you will be more efficient.

Remember that whatever is the reason someone does not drive in an appropriate manner, this does not have to do with you. Do not take such issues personally. Stay calm, cool, and avoid worsening an already tense situation.

If you think that you or other persons of your family or friends get angry easily and have difficulties in controlling their anger, do not forget that specialized help from health professionals for anger management is possible and recommended.

In conclusion let's keep in mind that our times are characterized by stress, many demands and time limits. Therefore it is not surprising that aggressive driving with its serious consequences is on the rise.

We all can contribute to a decrease and minimization of this phenomenon. Victims of this unfortunate situation will become less if we understand better why this occurs and how to handle situations of aggressive driving by not provoking, avoid confrontation and adaptation.

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