ROAD RAGE – DO’S AND DON’TS

It’s a reality and it’s becoming a rather big issue on South African roads these days!

The recent “Porsche” road rage incident in Fourways, Johannesburg in which the owner of a Porsche is seen damaging the vehicle of another motorist has once again brought home the reality of road rage in South Africa.

The definition of road rage is described as: “An incident in which and angry or impatient motorist or passenger intentionally injures or kills another motorist, passenger, or pedestrian, or attempts to injure or kill another motorist, passenger, or pedestrian, in response to a traffic dispute, altercation, or grievance.” The definition also includes incidents where “an angry or vengeful motorist drives his or her vehicle into a building or other structure or property.”

Causes of road rage:
Anyone can take offense and feel rage because of a fellow motorists driving, but the incidence of road rage amongst young men (18-26) appears to be higher. The majority of perpetrators are young, relatively poor educated males who have criminal records, a history of violence, and drug and alcohol problems. Factors that trigger road rage include pre-existing stress and a feeling of intense territoriality that is suddenly threatened by another motorist.

A survey conducted by the AA amongst drives in the Johannesburg area found the following results:

• That most respondents rated themselves a good drivers and had been driving for at least 16 years
• 63.3% of respondents reported experiencing aggression directed at them on a daily basis
• 47.7% of respondents reported having children in the car during the road rage incident
• 47% of all road rage is generated by young drivers between the ages of 18 and 25
• 1.1% of respondents admitted to assaulting someone during a road rage incident
• 3.4% of respondents claimed to have been assaulted during a road rage incident

How do you protect yourself?

• If someone cuts you off, tailgates you or is otherwise rude, the best response is to stay focused on your driving and ignore the other person’s behavior.
• Should the behaviour of the aggressor continue, drive to the nearest police station or look out for a police offer and try to get his/her attention
• If you are not able to do any of the above, drive to a populated area (e.g. a parking lot) to find help
• Do not pull of the road in the hope that the offender will go away. Staying mobile is the safest option
• Do not respond to the aggressor by staring or scowling at them to make a point. There are many unstable people on the road. A confrontation is not worth it.
• If you are at fault and have aggravated the other driver, a simple “I’m sorry” wave in acknowledgment of your behaviour might in the majority of cases diffuse the situation. Due to the crime rate in South Africa, many motorist carry guns, and a confrontation is simply too high a risk to take
• Practice defense driving, stay focused on the road. Be 100% alert of your surroundings
• Take care of your mental and physical health so you have the coping mechanisms to deal with day to day stress

“Never respond to an angry person with a fiery comeback, even if he deserves it…Don’t allow his anger to become your anger.” – Bohdi Sanders

Be safe on the roads!