Most motorists have found themselves in unpleasant situations involving abusive gestures or language from another motorist.
It is therefore important to be aware and informed about the problem of aggressive driving. By being informed we can avoid becoming a victim of such behaviour and contribute to better and safer roads.
Aggressive driving occurs when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic violations that endangers other motorists. Aggressive driving behaviours can include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Running a red light and/or stop sign
- Improper passing
- Weaving
- Driving at a dangerously slow speed and refusing to let others pass you
These behaviours create unsafe situations and can lead to instances of road rage. Many motorists do not realize that they are in fact aggressive drivers.
Here are some questions to help you determine if you are an aggressive driver:
- Do you speed excessively?
- Do you tailgate slower vehicles?
- Do you race to beat red lights or run stop signs?
- Do you weave in and out of traffic?
- Do you fail to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles?
- Do you drive at a much slower speed than what is allocated as the speed limit, and then refuse to let others pass you?
It is important to drive in a focused and calm manner and avoid road rage.
Follow these tips to avoid road conflicts:
- Ensure that you are rested as tired drivers are easily irritable.
- Plan your route and allow plenty of time whilst driving. Add 10 extra minutes to your driving time and leave early to accommodate unexpected occurrences.
- If you intend to travel a long distance, ensure you stop every few hours to rest.
- Make a conscious decision to not let your mental state affect your driving.
- Always drive within the speed limit.
- Always respect the road and other road users.
What to do when confronted with an aggressive driver:
- Keep a safe following distance.
- Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.
- Do not challenge an aggressive driver by increasing your speed.
- Report aggressive drivers to appropriate authorities and provide a vehicle description, vehicle registration number as well as the location.
