Every once in a while, a driver may cut you off without leaving enough space or you may be following someone going extremely slow. You may feel like screaming, making rude gestures, or speeding by them to show them who’s boss. However, these actions are not the way to handle difficult drivers. Every day, the road will hold unpredictable events, and being able to control your road rage will allow you to stay safe and avoid accidents.
Being the more considerate, respectful, and responsible driver is the best route to take when dealing with others who rub you the wrong way. Transforming yourself into a defensive driver takes time, but it is worth the lessons and skills you will gain in the end. The following are some tips that will help you in situations when you feel like showing your rage on the road:
• Stay Out of the Way
If you are becoming frustrated or notice another person is upset with you, just stay out of the way. Aggressive drivers should be given plenty of room so no one is endangered. If the person is threatening to cause a crash, the best tactic is avoidance. Let them do what they want at all times so no one gets hurt.
• Remember to Yield
Not all drivers will follow the rules of the road, and some may even challenge you. Take the approach of “yield anyway”, meaning even if the right of way is yours by law or common sense, always remember that someone may be in a rush or impatient. If you go and they do too, this could cause a collision. Always be cautious and keep yourself safe.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Keep an eye out for other drivers, especially if they are distracted, and also for yourself if you partake in any bad habits. One major key to safe driving is observing and responding to the unexpected things on the road.
• Take a Defensive Driving Course
If you think you need to freshen up on your skills, try taking a defensive driving course. This can be a way to point out and work on bad habits and gain valuable lessons on everyday road tactics.
• Remain Calm
Rather than being filled with rage, be a “supportive driver”, which is the opposite of an aggressive driver. Be a smart and peaceful driver, and this will help you be safe in a calm way.
At Hickey-Finn & Co, Inc, we encourage all drivers to follow the rules of the road in order to keep yourself and others safe. Letting your emotions take control when you are behind the wheel can be dangerous and potentially life threatening. You don’t want to suffer from severe injuries or financial loss due to an accident that could have been avoided. Following these tips and having the right protection for your car are some ways you may find peace of mind when navigating the roads ahead.
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