Preventing Road Rage
Road rage is a growing concern among motorists these days. It's become so much of a danger in some areas that legislation is being considered to punish offenders with more severity than ever before. Road rage is avoidable by using common sense - and letting your ego take a backseat.

A recent Gallup poll indicated that more drivers are afraid of aggressive drivers and road rage than they are of drunk or otherwise impaired drivers. While you may think road rage is a larger issue in urban areas where there are more people, studies indicate the problem is national in scope, no matter the location.

In areas like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, ranked in the top seven U.S. cities with high occurrences of aggressive driving deaths, state government is trying to face the problem with education and more stringent laws. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported a 39.9% decrease in collisions among Florida drivers that took a safe driving course when it was just a pilot program in 1999.The Florida Highway Patrol is also calling for laws making aggressive driving a crime.

A common misconception among motorists is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage. Aggressive driving falls into the category of inconsiderate and irresponsible maneuvers that cause accidents and put you as the driver and others in danger including; driving on the shoulder when traffic is at a standstill, changing lanes without warning, weaving between lanes to pass others, tailgating and slamming on your brakes when you've arrived at your exit on the highway.

Road rage is a criminal offense when it results in intentional violence towards another motorist. When you initiate violence from a trivial traffic incident, or a perceived traffic incident, you've committed road rage. One is bad driving; the other is a criminal act.

It's important to note the miscommunications that result when vehicles of different sizes, driven by people with varying degrees of patience and experience, share the road.

The good news is that road rage is preventable by following common sense guidelines and basic rules of the road.

• If you're driving an RV or towing a camper resign yourself to the fact that your vehicle is big and bulky. And the fact that the world is moving faster around you. It's best to pick a lane and stay in it. Not only will you avoid unnecessary maneuvering, but you'll also calm motorists around you by following a predictable path.
• Maintain a steady speed and let others pass you as often as you can especially in congested areas.
• Keep a car's length between you and the person in front of you. The worst thing to do is box in a smaller vehicle - remember to someone driving a compact car, your rig will feel like a semi-truck if you follow too close behind.
• Use your signals! They are so often not used and it's the only way to let other drivers know what you're doing. Remember, you're sharing the road with others. Always use signals to signify a turn and when you've passed another car and are changing lanes.
• It's illegal to drive a car without the proper lighting. At sunset, always use your headlights. Avoid using just parking lights at sunset or before sunrise, they don't provide enough light to see the road, signs and other drivers. Avoid using your high beams when you're following another vehicle or traveling in an area of high traffic at night. If you encounter another vehicle's high beams, avoid looking directly into the headlights. Avert your eyes towards the right side of the road and watch for the white line marking the side of the road.
• Make sure when you're towing a camper or driving an RV that you've had enough experience with the rig. You need to be able to safely drive and park the vehicle without becoming an obstacle to other vehicles on the road. Be comfortable and safe, or let a more experienced driver take over.

If you find yourself becoming emotional and angered behind the wheel, there are things you can do to calm yourself down and avoid a dangerous confrontation. The important thing to remember is that your safety and the safety of your passengers is the priority - not retaliating against another driver. You are not in control of others behavior, but you are responsible for your own.

• Pull over in a parking lot or along a side street and calm down. Take a deep breath, and don't start up the car again until you physically feel calm.
• You'll know when a situation is escalating on the road. An angry motorist may speed up, dart over into your lane to cut you off or make hand gestures. Even though your rig may outweigh their vehicle, resist the urge to react. Never pull over to confront an angry driver whose looking for a fight. It's best to take down a license plate number and have a passenger call the police on a cell phone.
• Sing. You may find it silly, but when another driver has cut you off or is weaving recklessly between cars to pass and its upsetting you, get your mind off of the problem. You'll find it will relax you and will avoid any escalation of the situation.
• Avoid agitated drivers.
• Avoid making gestures that will agitate others.
• Plan ahead so you're not in a hurry to get to your destination. This will also avoid anxiety when you encounter delays on the road. Follow posted speed limits, lane closures and road crew instructions. Road crews have a job to do, be courteous and aware of what is going on around you. Summer is a traditionally busy time for road crews and work. You can be fined and jailed for injuring a road worker.
• Let speeding cars pass you.
• Follow the Golden Rule of Driving: Drive the way you'd like others to drive.

If you frequently get into accidents resulting from bad behavior behind the wheel, your insurance rates will dramatically increase, or you may even be cancelled by your insurance carrier - another reason to be in control of yourself when driving and to follow the rules of the road.

10 Tips to Avoid Road Rage
More and more people hit the highways every day.  As our roads become more congested, some drivers' anger and rage also build up.  While you're on the road, keep these suggestions in mind to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

  1.    Plan ahead and allow enough time for your trip.
  2.    Avoid following other vehicles too closely.
  3.    Use your horn only when necessary.
  4.    Drive in the passing lane only if you are passing.
  5.    Use your turn signal when changing lanes.
  6.    Avoid gestures that may offend others.
  7.    Ignore agitated drivers.
  8.    Use low beam headlights when other vehicles are near.
  9.    Be aware of speeding cars and let them pass.
  10.  Remember the vehicle golden rule: Drive the way you would like others to drive.

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