How To Reduce The Risk For Being A Victim Of Road Rage?
Traffic in large metropolitan areas is growing fast. The traffic
volume is outgrowing the roads faster than expected and traffic
jams are pre-programmed. Large volumes of traffic on a
non-sufficient infrastructure are some of the biggest challenges
drivers are facing. Driving turns into a tedious task and is no
fun anymore. Stop and Go traffic; traffic jams; accidents;
noise; the feeling of being stuck - all these things drive up
the stress level for drivers. The result can be experienced on
our streets every day: Road Rage
How is road rage being defined? "Violent behavior exhibited by
drivers in traffic, often as a manifestation of stress"
Pretty much every driver has experienced road rage at one point
in his life. Being cutoff by a rude driver, getting the "Finger"
shown, or being tailgated by a fellow driver are just the minor
signs of road rage. More severe signs of road rage involve
shootings, being followed and harassed by another driver or even
pushed of the road. Road rage can result in injury and even
death. The least thing that usually happens is that the driver
being the victim becomes outraged and nervous and eventually
starts to fight back which usually results in a much more severe
situation with a complete different outcome.
How to deal with road rage and how to reduce the risk of
becoming a victim of road rage? Drivers can do quite a few
things to avoid road rage or to reduce the risk of becoming
involved in such an incidence. Drive with the traffic flow when
being on the left lane on a highway or pull-over to the right
lane if you do not want to go that fast. Let the folks who are
in a hurry pass - you'll see most of them again anyway as
overall traffic flow in most cases does keep groups of cars
within a 3-5 mile radius. Being tailgated? Again - pull over to
the other lane and let other one pass. If you cut somebody off
by accident forcing the other driver to hit the brakes hard or
to pull away from you to avoid an accident - show signs of
apologies. We all make mistakes while driving - but be fair
enough to admit a mistake by apologizing. This will take out
some of the stress factor in those situations. Use turn lights
whenever make a lane change or turn. If the car behind you has
to hit the brakes hard to avoid an accident because you made
turn without using the turn lights can even result in an
accident. Get a bigger car that is not as sporty as what you
might have now. Bigger cars often avoid to give the driver the
feeling that there is a need for speed. Cruising is more
relaxing and a heavy vehicle just does not motivate as much to
speed.
These are just a few suggestions of how to reduce the risk of
road rage. Do not drive too defensive and slow. Going too slow
and blocking the traffic flow is a bad thing to do. Try to
imagine how you would feel driving behind yourself. Avoid doing
things that you do not want others do to you, too.