Safety Tips

Are You Susceptible To Road Rage?

Could you be contributing to the problem without even knowing it?

1. The Passing Lane
   A. I don't pay any special attention to people following me when I drive in the passing lane.
   B. I'm aware of who is following me when in the passing lane.
   C. I only use the passing lane to pass other people.
2. Cell Phones
   A. I chat on the phone when driving.
   B. I get annoyed by people who talk on the cell phone and don't pay attention to their driving.
   C. I do not talk on the phone when driving.
3. Tailgating
   A. I get tailgated from time to time.
   B. I will tailgate someone who is traveling too slow.
   C. I try not to tailgate people.
4. Staring
   A. I've seen people stare at me while they're passing.
   B. I've been known to stare at people who annoy me.
   C. I avoid staring at other drivers.
5. Muttering
   A. I mutter when I encouter a hyper driver.
   B. I mutter when I encouter a slow or "stupid" driver.
   C. I seldom mutter about another person's driving.
6. The Horn
   A. I will honk at people who honk at me first.
   B. I've been known to "lean" on my horn to express anger.
   C. I only use my horn to catch other people's attention.
7. Headlights
   A. Sometimes I notice people flashing their headlights or high beams behind me while I'm driving in the passing lane.
   B. I've been known to flash my headlights at slower moving traffic or use my high beams to get them to move out of the way.
   C. The only timeI use my headlights is to help me see when driving.
8. Obscene Gestures
   A. I will only make an obscene gesture to someone if someone gestures obscenely first.
   B. I've been known to make an obscene gesture at other drivers.
   C. I never make an obscene gesture at another driver.

If you answered A to the majority of the questions, chances are you're contributing to the problem whether you realize it or not.
If you answered B to the majority of the questions, you are exhibiting aggressive behavior.
If you answered C to the majority of the questions, your road rage risk is low.

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According to a Leger Marketing poll, one in five persons have been the victim of road rage and one in three has witnessed a road rage incident. Incidents of road rage are becoming more prevalent as the pace of our society gets faster and faster and the amount of traffic increases. Road rage has a tendency to get out of hand and can result in fights, damage to vehicles, the use of weapons, criminal charges, injury, and even death. You can reduce your chances of becoming involved in a road rage incident by following these simple tips.

• Make yourself comfortable in your vehicle.
• Be courteous
• Realize that the rest of the world does not drive according to your expectations
• Don't drive when tired
• Don't feel territorial about the road
• Keep to the right when driving at the speed limit or being overtaken by other vehicles
• Keep the appropriate distance from other vehicles
• Never cut other drivers off
• Don't talk on the cell phone while driving
• Don't butt into line or drive on the shoulder of the road
• Don't tailgate

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REMEMBER: It is not your responsibility to teach other drivers a lesson and you may be in the wrong.

• If someone is acting aggressively towards you: Avoid eye contact, exchanging words, making obscene gestures or expressing anger in any way.
• If you are the victim of road rage: Never lead a road rage aggressor to your place of residence. Drive to the closest police station or to a busy area to seek assistance. Use your horn if necessary.
• If someone approaches your vehicle acting aggressively: Drive away if you can do so safety; close and lock your windows; do not exit your vehicle for any reason; do not issue or respond to verbal taunts; and get a description of the vehicle and occupant(s) including license plate.

REPORTING DRIVING COMPLAINTS - If you observe someone driving dangerously, call the Police right away.

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