Type the words “road rage” into your Google search bar and a slew of news reports jump out at you – stories from all over the world of drivers seeing red in an alarming and escalating trend on our roadways.
These reports of road rage include a broad range of unacceptable retaliations to road user behaviour from rude gestures or swearing to assault or murder.
There is widespread public concern about this increasing incidence of aggressive driver behaviours, as shown in a recent RAC Queensland member survey where 92% stated they believe that aggressive driver behaviour is becoming more frequent and more extreme.
While most drivers (87%) think traffic congestion is a major cause of road aggression (2007 AAMI Crash Index), other situations which serve to provoke driver anger are generally the result of irresponsible driving and inconsideration of other road users.
Driving a car does not mean only controlling it, but it is also a social interaction between drivers, where emotions play an important role. Negative emotions, such as anger, worsen the ability of making a decision; therefore care, courtesy and awareness are all very important driving attitudes to adopt.
As a counter to aggressive driving behaviour, we promote a ‘sharing the road’ approach to road use.
Here are 10 tips for sharing the road safely: (source AAMI)
1) Drive defensively– use your indicators to inform other road users of your intention to turn, change lanes or pull over.
2) Follow the car in front of you at a safe distance.
3) Don’t drive when you are angry, highly stressed or upset.
4) If you make a mistake while driving, acknowledge it and try to signal an apology.
5) Avoid the temptation to gesture impolitely or swear at another road user – their error may not have been deliberate.
6) Detach yourself and don’t respond to another driver’s aggression – retaliation (verbal or otherwise) may escalate the conflict dangerously.
7) Try to distance your car from any threatening driver.
8) Drive to a safe place, such as a police station, if you are concerned for your safety.
9) Consider driving with your doors locked and never get out of your car to confront an angry road user.
10) Carry a mobile phone in your car, and if in danger, call 000.
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