How To

How to Behave While Driving During Rush Hour

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(2 Ratings)

Does the idea of commuting cause a sensation of constriction or panic? Loathing the drive to work or home through a river of aggressive cars is not the only option. A few simple ideas to keep in mind will ease your commute during rush hour and make you a safer, better driver.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Respect other drivers, even if they don't earn your respect. Resolve to be a conscientious driver, and you may relax knowing you have the moral "high ground."
Step 2

Reflect on your own driving habits and the attitudes that prompt them. Take a stance of cooperation, and you will notice other drivers do the same. If vengeance and competition motivate your driving, then you must fight the highway war.
Step 3

Remember traffic laws exist to provide a safer environment for all travelers, and if you obey them, you will protect yourself and your passengers as well as those with whom you must share the road during rush hour.

Tips & Warnings

Statistically, other drivers judge your driving less harshly than you might expect. Most drivers just want to get where they are going during rush hour, but regardless, the emotional environment you drive in is essentially the one that you alone create for yourself.
Maintain a constant speed. Traffic engineers claim the most danger is caused by "lane-hopping" and "rubbernecking."
Aggressive drivers use a number of tactics to intimidate others, such as tailgating, chasing after you, making rude faces, shouting and gesturing through the window, roaring the motor, passing by too closely and cutting in front of you. Be aware of these types of behaviors, and avoid aggravating the aggressive driver. Arriving safely at your destination is far more important than "defending" honor or pride during rush hour.

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