Information on Road Rage
Road rage takes place when drivers of a vehicle let their anger take precedence over safe driving. This can happen to you, me or the guys next door. When confronted with a situation on the highway common sense goes out the window and road rage takes over. This can be very serious. When most people are asked why they got so angry the reasons they give can be really trivial such as "She/he wouldn't let me pass". The ways to avoid road rage is get out of the way and give the other vehicle lots of space. It is a big part of accidents on our highways every year so what makes a normal person go from normal driving to being a hazard to himself and everyone else on the road? Let's take a look at the major causes of road rage.
You can be the cause
If you find you get upset easily when driving then you have a problem and this problem can lead to major trouble. In order to fix road rage you have to fix yourself. You have to get your anger under control. Road rage is responsible for many lives been taken on the road each year. If another driver decides to give you an obscene gesture the best thing you can do for him and yourself is ignore it and get out of his way. If you let your anger take over on the highway you are playing a dangerous game. If you find this is a problem then find help, it could save your life as well as someone else's. Seek professional help if you have to or look for anger management courses in your area. There are also many books on the market for self help in anger management. Take advantage of this.
Gesturing
This is one sure way to anger another driver while driving. If this is done to you then you have to learn to ignore it. Keep your hands on the wheel and not in the air don't do anything that will make the other driver angrier. Sometimes if you just react with a shake of your head can send another driver over the edge. The best plan is to be cautious and courteous, follow the rules of the road with the vehicle behind you and ahead of you in mind. Don't use your horn unless it is absolutely necessary. If there is another vehicle trying to get the same parking space, give it to them, it doesn't take long to find another.
Tailgating
When you are driving and following another vehicle too closely they get angry. This can be prevented by allowing at least a two second space between your car and the one ahead of you. If the car ahead of you is driving to slowly then give it more space, not less. If the vehicle ahead does something unexpected it gives you time to react instead of finding yourself into the back of the vehicle. If a car is tailgating you then pull over and let him pass. It is better to do this than have something happen that you will regret.
Don't take part in road rage
Road rage can't take place if you don't join in but there is a concern to avoid aggressive drivers. Just refuse to take part in it if another driver becomes aggressive. When anger prevails you can be sure there will be regrets later. Always give thought to the consequences of your actions, rage can end up in a very serious accident. This is a good idea to keep on the top of your mind; it will bring your anger down and let common sense prevail.
Keep away
There are other things you can do to avert road rage. If you are the calm one and this rage is coming from another driver it can become really dangerous. Get away from them at all cost even if it means parking in a safe place for a time. Don't ever pull off the road to interact with the one that has lost their temper, you will not be able to calm him down and this could prove to be a major mistake.
Keep your eyes on the road
Always avoid eye contact with the driver that is irate. Sometimes just by looking or staring at the person can cause his anger to escalate. You don't want to do anything to bring the situation to a personnel level and making eye contact will surely do this. Don't get the notion that you can win at road rage. Everyone that takes part in this type of behavior loses.
Summary
Road rage is definitely on the rise. If you are not the problem then you certainly can be part of the solution by leaving rage behind once you get behind the wheel. You can also avoid being the victim and if you find yourself being stalked by someone with road rage, that is determined to draw you into their game, then phone the police for help on your cell phone. Do whatever you have to that will help you to stay away from face to face confrontation. Don't ever pull over and try to reason with a driver that has road rage. If you do, this is the perfect opportunity to get into a dangerous confrontation. Some people, when they are in road rage, can not be reasoned with.
