This site is dedicated to the memory of Timothy Neal Thompson who was killed by an inattentive driver. Tim was only 22 and the driver was only 19. You can read Tim's story and more about how he was killed at the following link. Tips For Avoiding Road Rage
Plan Ahead
Just because you hit the snooze button too many times on the alarm doesn’t mean everyone else on the road should get out of your way. If you are running late, speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and running red lights are not likely to get you there in time. If you manage to make it to your destination in this manner at all you might shave a minute or two off of your time but at what risk?
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Don’t Insist On The Right Of Way
If you see someone is driving careless or cutting you off then slow down and let them by. I do not recommend yielding your right of way as a habit as this can create confusion to those abiding by right of way laws. Take for example car A is cruising the highway at 70 mph while car B is trying to merge onto the highway. Car B is slowing down because it sees Car A clearly has the right of way. Car A decides to be polite and allow Car B to enter the highway ahead of him. Now we have both cars slowing down creating confusion as to who should go. Eventually someone is going to have to speed up. What if both cars decide to speed up at the same time? Polite driving can create confusion but if you see someone demanding the right of way even if it isn’t theirs to demand just give it to them. This is safer than trying to demand your right of way.
Always Use Turn Signals
Turn signals are a clear way of communicating your intentions. However, just because you turn on your turn signal it does not give you the right to not observe right of way laws. Wait your turn!
Don’t Drive Emotional
If you are upset for any reason take a deep breath and count to ten before you get behind the wheel. If we are already upset about something it won’t take much to become irritated at drivers around you. Notice how the words irritated and irrational start the same way? We as humans tend to become a bit irrational when we are irritated. Not to mention the fact that if you have something weighing heavy on your mind you are more likely to become distracted away from safe driving efforts.
Create a Sorry Sign
For those times you become aware that you actually cut someone off have a sorry sign handy to let them know you didn’t do it intentionally. Keep your sign simple – use large thick letters so it can be seen easily from a distance, keep it handy so you don’t have to fumble through things to find it when you need it. If you choose to use a hand gesture be sure your intention is clear as hand gestures can easily be misunderstood.
Be Understanding
Everyone makes mistakes. If someone cuts you off in traffic don’t become enraged. As scary as it can be not everyone does this intentionally and it will only make matters worse if you adopt a negative attitude over it.
Be Aware
If you are focused on the task at hand (ie, driving) and engaging in defensive driving techniques you are less likely to become involved in a road rage incident. Expect the unexpected but don’t be nervous about it. Watch for my next article on Defensive Driving Techniques.
