LOW RISK DRIVING

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E.34 ROAD RAGE - Don't become a victim

People driving motor cars may be in all kinds of mood. When a person, who is generally short-tempered, or is angry at the time, meets with a mishap in traffic, emotion can get out of control, resulting in road rage.

Consider the following incidents, taken from the daily newspaper.

Photo: livescience.com
The death of a pet dog is reported in the US. As an act of revenge for a minor traffic incident, an angry motorist snatched the animal from the owner and threw it across the road into oncoming traffic. The dog dies in front of it’s distressed master.

A 57-year old man in Melbourne was bitten in the arm and punched in the face by a young, male driver after they’d both stopped at a traffic light.

In Sydney the father of a teenage girl was attacked as he was giving her driving practice.

Road rage is often the result of irritation and anger that was waiting to explode. An innocent motorist forgetting to indicate or braking unexpectedly, may trigger a violent reaction, far beyond any reasoning. Just by looking at someone, one can get into trouble, if this person doesn’t like being looked at. The weeks leading up to Christmas are a peak time for driver tension and incidents on the road.

Here's how to minimize your risk - and not become a road rage victim ...

Always drive with your doors locked...	...especially at night, alone. There had been cases of offenders simply jumping into vehicles at traffic lights to go along for the ride. Also shut windows, if approached in an uninviting manner.
Drive in an orderly manner...	...considering, how your behaviour will affect motorists around you. Check mirrors frequently, indicate early, brake intelligently and don’t change direction, unless safe. Nobody gets angry at a courteous driver.
Don’t aggravate any situation...	...if someone is provoking you. Get out of the way, if they insist on overtaking. Don’t try and teach a lesson by driving slowly or playing policeman. After all, the other driver may be in an urgent situation!
Drive away from trouble...	...if hassled. Leave the area; turn in the other direction or reverse away, when things look serious. Blast your horn wildly to irritate troublemakers. This draws attention which may bring help!
Try to identify offenders...	...and write down car number plates. Try to remember details of the offenders appearance, dress, descriptions of vehicles involved etc. Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.

A story reprinted from our FUN-READ section:

Road rage justice!

At an intersection two cars stopped on a red light. The driver of the second vehicle got out, obviously upset about what must have occurred just prior. He shouted abuse at the driver ahead, kicked his tyres and smashed his fist against the window.

The frightened victim did not wait any longer, he looked if it was safe and sped off on the red light. The attacker was still raging and now more upset, because the object of his wrath had disappeared. He walked back to his own car. Before getting in he let out one more blow in frustration on his own window - and promptly smashed it right in. That’s justice !

(True story as told to me by an eyewitness).

Sadly, whatever is present in our society is reflected on the road. Angry, frustrated people, who can't control their tempers, but let it out on those around them, is a sad part of modern culture.

Be sure to obey above points and you should never become a victim or road rage.

The way you want others to behave on the road

is the way YOU should behave!

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au 2001 / Reviewed July 2010	Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!
	T> L	Just by looking at someone could cause an angry motorist to act aggressively.	F> N
	T> A	At night especially it's best to have doors locked and windows shut.	F> G
	T> I	Other motorists should be told what they did wrong by blowing your horn at them.	F> T
	T> E	Moving away from trouble-makers is not cowardice, it's common sense.	F> S