8.2 Avoiding An Aggressive Driver
There are many reasons why a driver may become aggressive with you. In such situations, you should never provoke the angry driver.
Instead, the following three basic principles can help you avoid being a victim of an aggressive driver:
Don’t Offend
During a survey, drivers were asked what provokes them to anger the most and the results are consistent. It seems unlikely that a few specific behaviors would enrage other drivers, but unfortunately, they do. You can protect yourself by being considerate of other drivers.
Cutting off
Make sure you have plenty of room when you merge and use your turn signal to show your intentions before making a move. If you make a mistake and unintentionally cut someone off, try to apologize to the other driver with an appropriate gesture. If someone cuts you off, slow down and give them room to merge into your lane.
Driving Slowly in the Left Lane
If you are travelling in the left lane and someone wants to pass, you should move over and let them by. You may be putting yourself in danger by making drivers behind you angry, even if you may be “in the right” because you are traveling at the speed limit. In many states, the law requires you to travel in the right lane and use the far left lane only for passing.
Tailgating
Drivers get angry when they are followed too closely. Allow at least a three-second space between your car and the car ahead. If you think another car is driving too slowly and you are unable to pass, pull back and allow more space, not less. That way if the car does something unexpected you will have time to get out of the way.
You should be able to see the headlights of the car behind you in your rear-view mirror. If you feel you are being followed too closely, signal and pull over to allow the other driver to go by. Do not provoke the driver by unnecessarily braking too suddenly.
Gestures
A sure way to make another driver angry is to give an obscene gesture. You should fight the urge though, and keep your hands on the wheel. Avoid making any gestures that might anger another driver, even “harmless” expressions of irritation like shaking your head.
Courtesy
One of the best ways to avoid an enraged driver is to be cautious and courteous. You should always use your signals when making a turn and use your horn rarely, if ever. Also, do not set out driving with the idea that you always deserve the right-of-way. If you and another driver see a parking space at the same time, let that person have it.
Being a courteous driver is not always a natural ability. You may need to train yourself to consider the rights of other drivers, in addition to your own. You can start to train yourself by responding, “be my guest,” if another driver seems eager to get in front of you. When you respond this way, after a while, “be my guest” becomes your automatic response and you won’t be as offended by other drivers’ rudeness.
8.2.1 Don’t Engage
One angry driver can’t start a fight unless another driver is willing to participate in the disagreement. You can protect yourself against aggressive drivers by refusing to become angry like them. When angry, a person can do things they may later regret. If you are tempted to retaliate against another driver, pause and think about the consequences. Then cool down and continue your trip.
Steer clear and give angry drivers lots of room. If the other driver tries to pick a fight, put as much distance as possible between your vehicle and the other car, and then get away as quickly as possible. Do not under any circumstances pull off to the side of the road and try to settle things “man-to-man.”
Avoid Eye Contact
If another driver is acting angry with you, don’t make eye contact. Looking or staring at another driver can turn an impersonal encounter between two vehicles into a personal duel. And once things get personal, the situation can get out of hand fast.
Get Help
If you believe the other driver is following you or is trying to start a fight, get help. If at all possible, note the offending vehicle’s license number and its color, make, and model to give to the authorities. You can also use your horn to get someone’s attention. This will usually discourage an aggressor.
Never get out of your car and don’t drive home. If you believe you are a victim of road rage and someone is following you, you can use your cell phone and call 911. If it is possible, drive to a police station.
8.2.2 Adjust Your Attitude
The most important action you can take to avoid aggressive driving takes place inside your head. By changing your approach to driving, you can make every trip more pleasant. Try the following ideas for a pleasant change.
Forget Winning
For too many motorists, driving becomes a contest. By following the laws and rules of the road, you can avoid turning driving into a competition.
Allow More Time
Do you allow the shortest possible time for a trip and then race the clock? If something happens to slow you down, do you get angry? The solution: Allow more time for your trip. You’ll be amazed at how much more relaxed you feel when you have a few extra minutes.
Instead of trying to “make good time,” try to “make time good.” Listen to soothing music or a book on tape. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. You’ll arrive much calmer, fresher, and in a less stressed-out frame of mind.
Put Yourself in The Other Driver’s Shoes
Instead of judging the other driver, try to imagine why he or she is driving that way. Someone speeding and constantly changing lanes may be a volunteer fireman or a physician rushing to a hospital. Someone who jerks from one lane to another may have a bee or a crying baby in the car. Remember though, whatever their reason, it has nothing to do with you.
Don’t Take It Personal
Stay cool and do not take other drivers’ actions personally. If you think you have a problem, ask for help. Courses in anger management have been shown to reduce heart attacks. These same techniques can also help angry drivers. Self-help books on stress reduction and anger management can also be helpful. Drivers who successfully “reinvent” their approach to the road report dramatic changes in attitude and behavior.