AAA Foundation for Trafc Safety is a 501c3 nonprot organization The - PDF document

1 Road Rage: AAA Foundation for TrafÞc Saf
Road Rage: AAA Foundation for TrafÞc Safety is a 501(c)(3) non-proÞt organization. The FoundationÕs mission is to prevent trafÞc deaths and injuries strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries. AAA Foundation for TrafÞc Safety607 14th Street, NW, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20005www.aaafoundation.org STOCK #961©2013 Aggressive drivingis a major concern of theAmerican public and a real threat to the safety of all road users. In a survey conducted by the AAAFoundation, nearly 9 in 10 respondents said theyor Òvery seriousÓ threat to their personal safety. This same survey found that a substantial number of drivers admitted to engaging in potentiallyaggressive behaviors, such as traveling more than 15 mph above the speed limit, or running a red Any unsafe driving behavior, performed deliberatelyand with ill intention or disregard for safety, canconstitute aggressive driving. In fact, a Foundationstudy found that potentially aggressive actions Ðsuch as tailgating, erratic lane changing, or illegalIn extreme cases, this may escalate to road ragewhich is a viol

2 ent criminal act involving an intentiont
ent criminal act involving an intentionto cause physical harm. A separate AAA Foundationthey resulted in at least 218 murders and another12,610 injury cases. When drivers explained whythey became violent, the reasons were often trivial:ÒShe wouldnÕt let me me,Ó or, as this driver accused of attempted murderexplained, ÒHe practically ran me off the road Ð what In the process driving has become a completely new for Traffic Safety victim of an aggressive driver? Avoid making any gestures that might anger anotherdriver, even ÒharmlessÓ expressions of irritation likeBe a cautious and courteous driver. Signal every timeUse your horn rarely, if ever. If you and another driverthis way, after a while Òbe my guestÓ becomes yourautomatic response and you wonÕt be as offended 1. Don't offendother drivers. You can protect yourself by avoiding them:Cutting off.cut someone off, try to apologize to the other driverwith an appropriate gesture.If someone cuts you off,slow down and give them room to merge into your lane.move over and let them by. You may be Òin the rightÓbecause

3 you are traveling at the speed limit---
you are traveling at the speed limit---but youdrivers behind you angry. In many states and provincesthe far left lane only for passing. Besides, itÕs simplecourtesy to move over and let other drivers by.Tailgating.Drivers get angry when they are followed too closely.Allow at least a two-second space between your car andthe car ahead. [When you see the car pass a fixed point,not less. That way if the car does something unexpectedyou will have time to get out of the way. You should be able to see the headlights of the carbehind you in your rear-view mirror. If you feel you are being followed too closely, signal and pull over to allow the other driver to go by. One angry driver canÕt start a fight unlessanother driver is willing to join in. You can refusingto mind.Ó When angry, a person can do things they maylater regranother driver, think: ÒWould I want to fly in an Steer clear.Give angry drivers lots of room. A driver you may haveoffended can ÒsnapÓ and become truly dangerous. other car, and then get away as quickly as possible.Do not under any circumstances pul

4 l off to the sideplace where there are p
l off to the sideplace where there are people around, such as a policestation, convenience store, shopping center, or even a hospital. Use your horn to get someoneÕs attention.This will usually discourage an aggressor. Do not getout of your car. Do not go home. Try these ideas for a pleasant change:Forget winning.down do you get angry? The solution: Allow more timefor your trip. YouÕll be amazed at how much moredeep breathing. YouÕll arrive much calmer, fresher, Put yourself in the other driverÕs shoes. Instead of judging the other driver, try to imagine whyhe or she is driving that way. Someone speeding anda crying baby. Whatever their reason, it has nothing todo with you. Stay cool and donÕt take other driversÕactions personally.in attitude and behavior. Look for anger managementcourses in your area. Self-help books on stress reduction Avoid eye contact. If another driver is acting angry with you, donÕt maketurn an impersonal encounter between two vehicles into a personal duel. And once things get personal, If you believe the other driver is following you or i