Presented by the Westerville Division of Police Road Rage Presented by the Westerville Division of Police

What is “Road Rage”? “Road Rage”: is commonly defined as a societal condition where motorists lose their temper in reaction to a traffic disturbance. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that two thirds of fatalities are at least partially caused by aggressive driving Judges and police officers say that “Road Rage” is assault with the intent to do harm.

Aggressive Driving “Aggressive Driving” refers to an angry motorist attempting to intentionally injure or kill another driver because of a traffic dispute. Aggressive drivers react negatively and use their vehicles to retaliate by making sudden, threatening maneuvers. This makes “Road Rage” a serious issue of traffic safety –the safety of yourself and others. “Aggressive Driving” is operating a motor vehicle in an unsafe and hostile manner without regard for others.

Common Motorists Irritants Tailgating to pressure a driver to go faster or get out of the way Flashing lights in order to signal persons to move to another lane. Obscene gesturing Changing lanes without signaling Blasting the horn Frequently changing lanes by weaving back and forth

Common Motorists Irritants (continued) Traveling in the passing or left lane at a slower speed, making it impossible for others to pass. Driving with high beams on behind another vehicle or toward oncoming traffic. Not reacting quickly after the red light turns green Racing to beat a yellow light that’s about to turn red.

Most aggressive driving behaviors are caused by the driver’s own moods and reactions when they get behind the wheel.

Several mental health professionals have been trying to come up with causes for such driving behaviors. Traffic Psychology Professor, Leon James, says that “Aggressive driving is not extreme any more; it has become a cultural norm on the highway.”

LEON JAMES’ FORMULA FOR ROAD RAGE: MORE CARS, LESS SPACE, MORE DRIVER INTERACTIONS PLUS CULTURAL NORMS OF DISRESPECT THAT CONDONE HOSTILITY LEAD TO AGGRESSIVE DRIVING AND ROAD RAGE BATTLES

In some cases it appears that incidents of road rage are caused by simple misunderstandings between drivers. A driver may make a momentary error in judgment but the perception of another is that he/she is driving aggressively.

What Motorists Can Do: Use directional lights to indicate a lane shift Keep windows up and doors locked Be polite and courteous Listen to music slower than your heart beat Drive at a safe following distance Avoid behaviors that antagonize or irritate others

What Motorists Can Do (continued) Don’t become distracted by using cell phones or reading while the vehicle is in motion. Put some physical distance between you and erratic drivers Don’t show a reaction to the aggressive driver, especially avoid eye contact. Be tolerant of those who exhibit non-conforming traffic behaviors

Tips to avoid Road Rage: Do not make obscene gestures Use your horn sparingly Don’t block the passing lane Don’t switch lanes without signaling Avoid blocking the right-hand turning lane

More Tips to Avoid Road Rage Don’t take up more than one parking space Don’t park in a space reserved for disabled drivers if you aren’t disabled Don’t let your door hit the car parked next to you Do not tailgate on the roadways

Still More Tips to Avoid Road Rage: If you travel slowly, pull over and allow traffic to pass by you. Avoid unnecessary use of high beam headlights. Don’t stop in the road to talk to a pedestrian or other driver. Don’t inflict loud music on neighboring cars.

Don’t Engage One angry driver can’t start a fight unless another driver is willing to join in. You can protect yourself against aggressive drivers by refusing to become angry at them. A person who is angry can do things they may later regret and that includes you.

Don’t Engage (continued) Give angry drivers lots of room. A driver you may have offended can “snap” and become truly dangerous. “He or she who drives away, lives to drive another day.”

What To Do When You Are The Victim Of An Aggressive Driver Get away from the aggressive driver as soon as possible! Give them plenty of room. Signal your intentions before you act Don’t gesture or yell at the other driver

What To Do When You’re The Victim (continued) Do not retaliate Do not make direct eye contact with the aggressor Call the license number into the proper authorities by cellular telephone, a public telephone, or a citizens band radio. If an aggressive driver is involved in an accident, stop a safe distance from the scene and stay until police arrive and report the behavior of the aggressive driver.

Remember Two Things: Don’t make driving a contest, because in every contest, someone has to lose. “Road Rage” is a deadly game causing injury, accidents and sometimes death. Second, you don’t always have to make good time, you can make time good!

Useful Attitudes: Assume that other driver’s mistakes are not personal. Be polite and courteous, even is the other driver isn’t. Avoid all conflict if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and get out of the way. SMILE!