AGGRESSIVE DRIVING is a problem so prevalent that it does not take long to find examples of aggressive driving on our roadways. Most of us see it every day -- the road racer, the distracter, the tailgater, the frequent lane changer, the red light runner. The atmosphere created by aggressive drivers is scary. In fact, a recent American Automobile Association (AAA) survey found that in some areas of the country, aggressive drivers are perceived as a bigger safety threat than impaired drivers.
If you encounter this problem, as most of us will, consider the following:
- Do not retaliate. Never take the other driver personally, he/she is only reacting on a road rage instinct.
Don't make eye contact with an angry driver.
- Before you react to anything that is done to you please ask yourself, "Is getting back at that jerk worth my life?"
Leave traffic policing to police and driving instruction to the professionals. Do not try to "educate" others by competing or retaliating.
- Be polite and courteous, even when others are not.
Always ask yourself: "Could the other driver have possibly made a mistake?"
- If you are harassed by another driver and being followed, do not go home. Go to the nearest police detachment.
Slow down and relax!
- Never underestimate other drivers' capacity for mayhem.
Reduce your driving stress by allowing enough time to get where you are going. Know the roads that are under construction and listen to weather reports that may cause traffic delays. Practice patience and keep your cool.
- Reduce your driving stress by making your drive comfortable with music and fresh air. If upset, breathe deeply and slowly.
- Take a deep breath and count to ten when you feel yourself growing angry.
- Smile. You are in charge of your mood. Don't let another driver ruin your day.
Remember that you cannot control the drivers around you, but you can control the way they affect your well-being. Anger behind the wheel creates a machine of great destructive force. Be calm, drive safely, and Drive Friendly.
For further information with this program, please visit our DriveFriendly.org web site, or contact Sergeant Anthony Kay directly at 214-860-8758.
For further information or assistance, please call 214-860-8758, or visit the College Police Department in Room W135.
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