It is not often that we come across real road rage, yet in today’s increasingly busy world, road rage can be extremely dangerous and a driver with rage should be dealt with very carefully.

The following are some tips to stay cool and on how to avoid a road rage encounter:

  • CHECK YOURSELF. Prior to getting in the care make sure that you are not overly stressed. Stretching, taking deep breathes and making a conscious effort to relax is important. It is important that you not behave in a way that will annoy other drivers.
  • BE RESPECTFUL.  Remember you are not the most important person on the road. Don’t allow yourself to  do things that if they were done to you would be annoying.
  • CUTTING PEOPLE OFF. As you know, being cut off is one of the most infuriating things that can happen when driving. Use your signals to show your intentions to make a move and be sure “>that you have plenty of room between you and the car behind. If you should accidently cut some one off, apologize immediately. Waving a hand at about head height is one way to show you are sorry.
  • STEER CLEAR. If you see someone driving aggressively, try to stay out of their way. You have no way of knowing their stresses or state of mind. Do not hold your ground this will just irritate them.
  • GESTURES. Keep your hands on the wheel. Almost nothing makes another driver more angry than an obscene gesture, never shake your fist either. Even a perhaps meaningless gesture of shaking your head can set off road rage.  An angry driver cannot fight if you refuse to join them. Eye contact with an angry driver will only enrage them more. Under no circumstances NEVER pull over and try to sort things out “man to man.”

  • GET HELP. If you believe another driver is following you, do not get out of your car. Drive to a busy place with lots of people around, or police station or stop and honk your horn, this will usually assure the culprit drives on. If the aggressor stops and gets out of his car make sure all of your windows and doors are locked and continue to honk and call 911.

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