Road Rage & how to avoid it

What is Road Rage?
Have you ever been sitting patiently in a queue of traffic only to have a car try to cut across in front of you at the last minute?  Annoying isn't it?

You won't be alone in thinking so; according to a survey by the RAC it is motorists' number one hate. Other hates include:

• Drivers who monopolise the middle lane
• People who drive too close at high speed
• Drivers who overtake on the inside
• People who steal parking spaces
• Drivers who jump red lights
• Anti-social behaviour (e.g. rudeness)
• and Failing to signal.

It's a bet that at least one of these will raise your frustration level. However, it's when this frustration boils over into aggression that real problems occur and road rage begins. Road rage, however, is not a new phenomenon; it was recognised in the US in the early 1980's, where a number of motorists were actually killed.

Road rage is often defined as unchecked behaviour designed to cause harm to another road user; behaviour which is not normally in character for that person. This can be caused by the general frustrations of motoring coupled with the artificial sense of isolation, protection and empowerment provided by the car.

A driver's state of mind can be altered, and rational thinking is banished in the interests of pursuing a vital goal, which may be as simple as getting somewhere on time. The driver becomes too focused and rational thinking and safety are temporarily shut out, which (if it pushes the driver over the edge) can end in intimidation or violence.

Avoiding confrontation
Is it worth speeding just to get to the next red light a few seconds earlier? The answer is definitely "NO". Not only can the result of your anger have life or death consequences, but the stress associated with road rage can seriously damage your health. Plus there are the legal recriminations such as disqualification, fines or imprisonment.

The RAC have come up with some tips on how to avoid confrontation:

• Try to stay calm and ignore any challenges
• Leave room between your vehicle and the one in front, so that you have enough space to drive away if necessary
• Avoid eye contact with other drivers and don't be fooled by age, dress or sex- smartly dressed or older people can be just as likely to be violent as those perceived to be most aggressive i.e. young casually dressed men
• Keep your doors locked, especially in slow moving urban traffic. Do not open your window if another driver approaches your vehicle
• If your vehicle is attacked, drive away as quickly as possible and try to make a mental note of the number plate
• If you have a mobile phone call the police- the action of using the phone itself may be enough to scare off an attacker
• If you cannot get away draw attention to yourself by sounding your horn and flashing your lights
• If you are being followed, drive to a police station, garage or populated area and sound your horn and flash your lights to let people know you need assistance
• Don't be tempted to carry a weapon in your vehicle- it is illegal and you could be charged with carrying an offensive weapon.