There is a saying that goes, “If you don’t get angry while driving, you are not paying attention to the road”, and many motorists on South African roads can relate to it.
We have all heard about many road rage incidents with varying outcomes, from minor swearing at each other to drivers actually stopping their vehicles, getting out and resorting to physical violence.
Road rage is described as an “incident of angry and aggressive driving”. It is defined as an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of another vehicle, or is caused by an incident occurring on a roadway. The term is loosely used for any display of anger while driving. Such displays can range from mild expressions of anger such as following too close behind another driver to more serious forms of violence, such as physical violence or vehicular homicide. Road rage is considered a criminal offence.
In this day and age, it seems that any expression of anger, including waving of arms and staring, is considered to be road rage.
Here are 10 things to remember while driving that may help you to avoid road rage:
– Concentrate on driving – forget about work or home worries
– Reduce anxiety and stress by planning your journey
– To help with frustration, adopt a positive mental attitude
– Listen to stress-reducing music while driving
– You can only change your own attitude, not that of other road users
– If provoked, try to stay calm and be courteous
– Always drive with locked car doors and, if you see trouble coming, do not leave the safety of your vehicle
– This is a very old trick, but it really works – count from one to 10
– Try not to aggravate the situation by retaliating. Do not blow your car’s hooter, flash your lights or gesture
– If you are a victim of aggression – take the registration number and report the incident to the police immediately
It is important to remember that it is better to get there late, rather than not get there at all.
Also Read
Man shot twice in road-rage incident
Graphic photo: Road rage incident leads to hit and run
Man assualted in road rage incident
Resident rattled after road rage incident
