Thursday 01/01/2015
Happy New Year everyone. I hope last night was fun and you didn't greet the New Year with a serious hangover.
Everyone knows our roads are busy and more congested than they've ever been. Our cars are getting bigger, but the lanes on our roads and the parking spots have remained the same width. Our hectic lifestyles are also adding to the problem; we are far busier now than we were twenty years ago. Stress on the road and stress in our lives is a volatile mixture leading to short tempers behind the wheel; especially during the holiday season.
As a result, people speed on our roads and aren't as courteous as they should be. Car-parks have become racetracks; too often people are willing to clash bumpers to secure a parking spot. Both of these situations can lead to a road rage incident. Road rage incidents are a no-win situation for everyone involved. If either of you resorts to violence, your immediate future probably involves injuries, legal hassles, fines and possible jail time.
If you feel your temper rising while you are in the car, or think the situation could turn nasty with the driver of another car; take a deep breath and let it go. Remember, the people in the cars around you are only in your life for a few minutes; only as long as you are travelling in the same direction, at the same speed. If they are being obnoxious, driving erratically or doing something that makes you uneasy, remove yourself from the situation. Allow your car to drop back in the traffic flow; then maintain a safe distance from the problem.
If another driver does something stupid or dangerous, don't take it personally. It's highly unlikely their actions were aimed at you. It's just as unlikely they even know who you are. Don't let your temper get the better of you. Don't turn a brief, random encounter into a long-term legal hassle. Your hurt feelings aren't worth getting into legal trouble over.
Even if their stupidity is deliberate, don't take matters into your own hands. Let it go. If there is an incident and your vehicle is damaged, do not become aggressive or emotional. Just get the information you need from the other driver, then get on with your life. No amount of damage to your car is worth getting into a fight over.
Before you act, ask yourself "Is this worth going to jail for?".