Welcome to my first post for the 2012 A-Z Blogging Challenge. To see the other posts…http://a-to-zchallenge.com
Aggressive Drivers
When my brother was murdered the media labeled the crime road rage. To me that sounded like a disease. A disease that left un-treated can cause one to become extremely aggressive, even murderous. I had NO idea how many people are afflicted with this disease.
Approximately 10,037 incidents of aggressive driving are reported every year. Most likely 1000’s of other incidents go unreported. Younger people do not report this crime because they are too afraid or too cool to be labeled bullied. Older folks rarely report an aggressive driving crime because of embarrassment.
Data suggest while there is no ‘one’ profile of an ‘aggressive’ driver, a large number of perpetrators are male and either between 18 and 26 or 50 and 75.
Most in the second group are successful men with no history of crime, drug use or violence. When the media interviews the friends and family of these ‘older’ perpetrators you will hear, “He must have been provoked” or “He has always been the nicest guy.”
*These incidents can be sparked by something as trivial as “He stole my parking space” or “She cut me off.”
*Most incidents are not the result of ‘one’ incident but the accumulation of several stressors in the motorist life. The aggressive driving or road rage case that turn deadly are usually a result of the ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Some excuses used by these murderers are:
a) He was driving too slow.
b) She kept crossing lanes without signaling.
c) He couldn’t care less about the rest of us. He was blocking traffic.
d) NOBODY gives me the finger. I had to teach him a lesson.
e) He practically ran me off the road.
*The weapon of choice in nearly all aggressive driver attacks is either a gun or the vehicle itself*
Some rules to keep in mind while sharing the road safely are:
a) Do not block the passing lane. If another driver wants to pass you, let him.
b) DO NOT tailgate EVER! Dozens of altercations are the result of tailgating.
c) Never switch lanes without signaling.
d) If someone gets close enough to assault you, poke them in the eye as hard as you can and GET AWAY!
e) This is a BIG one-YOU are playing Russian roulette if you give another driver ‘the finger.’ This gesture has gotten drivers shot or stabbed in every state in this country.
f) Use your horn sparingly. Scores of shootings have occurred because of beeping.
g) NEVER make eye contact with an aggressive driver. This can be seen as a challenging behavior.
h) If an aggressive driver is following you, DO NOT go home. Go to a police station or a convenience store or any other location where you can get help and there are witnesses.
To keep yourself from becoming an aggressor:
a) Reduce the stress in your life. Anger is always dangerous to your health.
b) Consider altering your schedule-is it really the end of the world if you are late?
c) Improve the comfort of your vehicle. Listen to music that reduces your stress.
d) Before reacting to another drivers mistake ask yourself, “Have I ever made the same mistake?” “Is it worth being paralyzed or killed?” “Is it worth a jail sentence?”
Just think about this-What if the driver in the other car “driving too slow” is a veteran that has lost a foot?-Split second, impulsive decisions can and will ruin your life. Cars are NOT bulletproof. An aggressive driver can and will follow you home.
Take a deep breath and get out of the way even if you are right. You do not want to be DEAD right. Instead try to be more tolerant and forgiving. Recognize the absurdity of traffic disputes and focus on what is really important in your life. You cannot fight every battle. Choose wisely. Save your energy and your life- for something worthwhile.
Visit tomorrow for my post beginning with the letter B.
Doreen
