With aggressive drivers on the roadways, regular drivers might be wondering: How can I avoid being the victim of someone else's aggression or even road rage?
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety offers these quick tips in a brochure, "Road Rage: How to Avoid Aggressive Driving":
• Don't offend
It's not like aggressive drivers prowl the roadways, searching for drivers to anger them (well, some might). No, there are some specific behaviors you might commit that enrage other drivers: cutting off, driving slowly in the left lane, tailgating and hand gestures.
Merge when there's plenty of room and use a signal. If you are cut off, slow down and give the other driver room.
If you're driving in the left lane and someone behind you wants to pass, move over and let him by. It's not just courteous: It's state law. Arkansas Code 27-51-301 (b) states that "motor vehicles shall not be operated continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway whenever it impedes the flow of other traffic."
The rule on tailgating is simple: Don't do it.
Finally, avoid making obscene gestures at other drivers, or any gestures really, even shaking your head. Also, use the horn sparingly.
• Don't engage
There are idiots on the road, no one would deny this. But some of these idiots can become enraged. Don't reciprocate their anger.
Steer clear of a driver you may have unintentionally offended, even if he is pointing for you to pull over. Don't make eye contact, and call 911 or drive to a police station if it becomes apparent the other driver is following you, trying to start a fight or flashing a weapon.
Do not get out of your vehicle to settle road rage "man-to-man." Do not go home.
• Adjust your attitude
Avoiding aggressive driving sometimes means a change in your brain. The AAA Foundation recommends trying these ideas: forget winning against other drivers and turning driving into a contest; put yourself in the other driver's shoes and imagine why people are driving the way they are; stay cool around aggressive drivers; and get help if you think you have a problem with anger.
Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
-- Shea Stewart
ActiveStyle on 02/06/2017