You’ve probably been within close range of road rage more often than you realise. Drivers weaving through traffic, flashing their headlights or hooting at you for not giving way or cutting in in front of you are all exhibiting aggression. And with the Soccer World Cup about to begin, visitors who aren’t all familiar with our road rules could cause even more frustration.
According to a study carried out in 2003 by the South African Medical Research Council (MRC) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Interdisciplinary Accident Research Centre, single men aged between 18 and 25 are most likely to be responsible for road-rage incidents.
And approximately 10% of the motorists surveyed reported that they carried a weapon while driving. If these statistics aren’t enough to alarm you, imagine coming bumper to bumper with such an irate stranger.
DON’T BLOW A GASKET
‘The person exhibiting road rage is so out of control that you should stay defensive and not do anything to spur him on,’ says Sanette Smit. It has nothing to do with you
personally – the other driver is annoyed at your driving – so fight the urge to make an offensive hand gesture or roll down the window to yell at him.
‘Keep as much distance between you and an angry driver as possible,’ says Smit. ‘If you’re really close to him, chances are great that he’s going to get physical. And if he does so, target his groin to prevent him from aiming any blows at you.’
Smit suggests trying these strategies in the following situations:
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS
According to the MRC study, 39% of drivers surveyed had received a fine for a moving-car violation (including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving through a red traffic light). The survey also showed that drivers get the most irritated with taxi drivers and while driving in peak-hour traffic.
DO YOU (OR DOES YOUR MAN) SUFFER FROM ROAD RAGE?
Take this test to find out.
Do you:
• Often swear loudly at other drivers?
• Roll down your window to shout at another driver?
• Make obscene or threatening gestures at other drivers?
• Deliberately prevent another car from cutting in in front of you?
• Speed past another car as you overtake as a sign of protest?
• Mentally picture what you’d like to do to another driver (such as ram into the back of his or her car)?
• Chase after another car or race off at a traffic light before the car next to you does?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, you could have an anger-management problem. Talk to a therapist and practise self-calming methods to use in tense situations. If your man constantly suffers from road rage, suggest that he see a counsellor. In the meantime, don’t get into a car with him.
DON’T START SOMETHING
Try not to annoy other drivers by driving slowly in the right lane, tailgating or making offensive gestures – not even ‘harmless’ ones such as shaking your head in disapproval.
If another driver is acting in a hostile way, don’t make eye contact. Keep your eyes on the road.
Adjust your attitude. It isn’t a race – you might get to your destination two minutes later but at least you’ll get there.
Be courteous. Wave ‘thank you’ if someone has let you pass them.
Signal your intentions early.
It’s okay to let a bus or taxi go in front of you. You may be surprised at the hearty ‘thank you’ you receive.