Send 'Road Warrior' Packing on Summer Trips

As temperatures starts to rise, driver tempers can flare up, too, leading to aggressive driving and even "road rage." Suddenly, the flash of an eye, the most insignificant incident on the road can lead to a dangerous - and sometimes life-threatening - confrontation.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research, almost anyone can get involved in an aggressive driving incident, either by driving without enough courtesy for others or by engaging those who are driving dangerously.

Seem farfetched? Well, if you’ve ever honked at a driver who cut you off, blocked another car from passing, or gestured to express your annoyance, you’ve escalated situations that can erupt into "road rage" incidents. Even if you weren’t the one to start the confrontation, your actions responding to others may have been aggressive.

Summer road trips can be a special challenge. After long, hot hours on the road, most drivers’ nerves are frayed, especially when they’re eager to get to their destinations. When you come upon one of these frazzled road warriors, your best move is to get out of the way - it’s not your job to police or punish them.

Keep an eye on your own driving, too. Cutting people off, passing aggressively, and bulling your way through traffic isn’t going to get you where you want to be any faster, and it’s certainly not worth putting your life at risk.

When you’re on the road this summer, stay cool. Give yourself enough time to take an easy, unhurried pace. Create a low-stress environment in the car with comfortable temperatures, soothing music, and light conversation.

You’ll enjoy your trip more - and stay a lot safer - if you do.

For more information on aggressive driving and tips on how you can make your trips safer, visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

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