Summer brings many happy events such as picnics and visits to the beach. Unfortunately, it also brings unpleasant things like road rage when people’s tempers can be short. School holidays are in full swing and people are hot and often bothered with all the extra traffic on the roads.
Some drivers may be new, having just passed their tests and could be somewhat nervous about facing long trips and traffic, kids don’t always behave as parents want them to, and generally things seem to get a little out of hand, particularly on the roads.
The AA recommends that we don’t push into traffic queues, say thank you when we can, and move away from trouble, often easier said than done.
Avoid
Avoid competition, avoid using your hooter as much as you can, avoid making gestures in anger, and basically avoid the desire to ‘get even’ with that angry driver. It is not your job to deal with other people’s standard of driving.
Don't push
No one enjoys being forced into giving way. If you stay back and signal clearly, it will not be long before another driver lets you in.
Say thank you and sorry
Courtesy encourages polite driving. If you make a mistake, you will find that a simple gesture of apology will avoid any further confrontation. It will also go a long way to diffuse anger.
Distance yourself from trouble
If you ever feel threatened by another driver, make sure that your car doors are all locked and drive as fast as is permitted to the nearest police station. If you do not know where this is then a busy area such as a garage forecourt will work. Use your phone and alert the police. Hooting repeatedly will also likely deter any potential attacker.
While it may be very tempting to respond with anger when you are cut off by another driver, it is simply not worth it. Far easier to take the approach that while other people may be hot and bothered under the collar, you intend to get to your destination safely and in a good mood.
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