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March - April 2008 - AAA News
Protect Yourself From Instances of Road Rage
Much has been written about road rage. Television shows have addressed the problem, it’s all over the news, and if you have a daily commute to and from your place of employment, chances are you have experienced it. It is scary and dangerous, especially if you are involved; it is driving at its worst!
While driving to Florida to visit our son for the Christmas holiday, my wife and I were very close to being victims of road rage. We left our home in Lebanon a few days before the holiday. Interstate 95 was bumper to bumper with all three lanes full and moving at less than the speed limit; many times we would come to a complete stop. This situation continued into North Carolina where 95 narrows to two lanes. Traffic was moving at the speed limit, while slower traffic stayed in the right lane. We were moving with traffic in the left lane when a car cut in behind me so quickly that I couldn’t see the front end of the car. It appeared he cut off a white pick-up truck in the process. A short time later, the pick-up truck passed us on the right at a great speed and cut in front of me; if I hadn’t hit the brakes, we would have been involved in a very bad accident. This was the first time I had ever been involved with road rage, even though I wasn’t the cause of the anger that caused the reaction. Needless to say, we were a little shook up, but grateful to let the pick-up truck get out of our sight.
We know we can’t change another’s driving behavior, but we can concentrate on controlling our own. By backing off a bad situation, we may be able to diffuse a potentially dangerous occurrence. Venting to others regarding a bad driving experience is an excellent way to "let off steam" rather than retaliating, which would probably exacerbate the situation. If you tailgate, use your horn excessively, flash your headlights, change lanes quickly and often, gesture to other drivers, talk on your cell phone or eat while driving, you could be categorized as an aggressive driver.
On the other hand, if you are a driver who infuriates other drivers by driving under the speed limit, skipping turn signals, slowing down early for exits, accelerating unevenly and hogging lanes, you might also cause problems. You might want to think about changing some of your driving habits. The change could save lives.
Cpl. Linette Quinn of the Pennsylvania State Police reminds us that if you observe or are involved in road rage, dial "911" and report it. You will be asked for your location, make of the car creating the problem, license plate and any other information, such as a description of the driver, and assistance will be available from state or local police.
Road rage is a growing problem on our highways and learning how to deal with it could save you or someone you love from being its next victim. Keep a watchful eye and put forth that extra effort to avoid this ever-increasing danger.
Wilson L. Aungst, Chairperson of the Board
AAA Central Penn
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