Driving can sometimes be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Just think of all those nostalgic songs about taking your favorite ride out, feeling the wind in your hair and the purr of the engine as you watch the sights zoom by. Those songs, however, seem to envision a remote, winding, country road. More often, the reality is stop-and-go traffic on a packed freeway during rush hour, or city streets full of distracted drivers who cut you off and pedestrians who decide to dart into the road unexpectedly.
Whenever there are other drivers around, driving a vehicle can be a tedious and stressful activity ”“ one that can bring out the worst in people. Road rage has become a real public safety issue, and incidents can escalate quickly from flipping someone the bird to intimidating, injuring and even killing them.
In late September, the issue of road rage was once again brought into the spotlight when a dispute between a driver and a group of motorcyclists in New York City led to an attack on the driver and serious injuries to a biker who was run over by the vehicle. According to Associated Press reports, video shows a motorcyclist pulling in front of an SUV, in which a man was driving with his wife and young child, and slowing down to the point that the SUV bumps the rear tire. Fellow bikers, who were part of a large rally, proceed to surround the car and damage it. Police reports show the driver sped off, running over a motorcyclist who is now expected to be paralyzed from his injuries. The bikers then pursued the vehicle for 2 1/2 miles. When the SUV was forced to stop, they pulled the driver from the vehicle and beat him.
Just a few days before, in Vermont, new reports recount how a man ran a red light while driving in a state of extreme emotional duress and nearly hit another car. The driver of that vehicle was angered by the near miss, followed him and confronted him. The man was distraught over an extramarital affair and had planned to kill himself, according to news reports. When the woman approached, he responded by emptying a full clip into her, which killed her, and then attempted to take his own life ”“ but there were no bullets left.
Both of these incidents are terrifying examples of what can happen when emotions get out of control on the road, and particularly when a pack mentality takes over. Arrests have been made in both cases, and they are sad affairs all around. Confrontations such as these are also a wake-up call to anyone who has ever felt their anger rising while behind the wheel.
A 2013 study conducted by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety found that aggressive driving is a factor in as many as 56 percent of fatal crashes. The foundation offers a few tips to stay calm and avoid inviting the anger of others while on the road:
Be a courteous driver by leaving at least a car’s length in between you and the car in front of you; travel in the right-hand lane rather than using the passing lane; using your turn signals and look to avoid cutting off other drivers; avoid making gestures or yelling; and don’t turn driving into a contest.
Those who encounter aggressive drivers should avoid eye contact and should never leave the vehicle to pursue a confrontation. If a driver continues to harass you, you should call the police or go to a public place ”“ never go home or get out of your car.
It’s also good practice to learn some calming techniques that work for you personally, whether it’s music or breathing exercises, that can help keep you calm on the road. Keeping your cool is the best defense.
It’s impossible to know what the other motorist is thinking and feeling, or just how far they will go to demonstrate their belief that they own the road. If you feel yourself getting enraged, just think of those who have had their vehicles damaged, and especially those injured or killed in road rage incidents, to remind yourself of one thing while you’re on the road: It’s not worth it.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
