How to Avoid Being a Victim of Road Rage

The complexities in peoples' lives often lead to high stress situations. They get behind the wheel of a vehicle and end up taking out their aggressions on other drivers. These actions have led to serious injury and even death. Avoid being a victim of road rage by practicing these techniques.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Practice treating other drivers on the road the way you would want to be treated. Being courteous is always a positive step.
2. Signal appropriately when changing traffic lanes. Letting the other drivers know your intentions will alleviate many undo frustrations.
3. Change lanes if another driver is driving too closely. Do not slow down to show any anger and possibly enrage them further. You risk injury to yourself, your passengers and the other drivers on the road.
4. Avoid making eye contact with an enraged driver. If another driver is following you, drive to a public area and contact the authorities. If you have a cell phone, use it. If a police station is nearby, go there for help.
5. Stay off the horn. It is viewed as a sign of aggression. Avoid driving in the passing lane. Use it only if you need to pass. If others are speeding, the authorities will catch up with them eventually.
6. Resist the urge to gesture towards another driver. If at all possible, remove yourself from the situation, take a deep breath and think of something positive.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember for every action there is a reaction. Ask yourself if it is worth it to react negatively to an aggressive driver.
• Don't get into a physical altercation with an enraged driver. Stay in your car. Keep driving, if possible. You never know when an enraged driver may be armed.