This morning I felt like writing something nice, something positive – without being too technical! For many of us the morning starts by opening the emails and quickly logging on to Facebook. We often find some humour or some inspirational message in an email from a friend -or share the frustrations and trauma from friends on Facebook.
Much of these frustrations can be found in the comments from friends trapped in traffic congestion, facing the irresponsible driving habits of fellow road users etc…
Fortunately I have found in an email the amazing photo of a few birds in the sky – and I thought – why not share this on the Blog and convince a few friends to smile at their fellow road users! Be grateful that you can go to work, and have a vehicle to do so!
If this does not help to avoid the road rage – perhaps these other suggestions from the Arrive Alive website might do it for you!
“When you find yourself in a stressful driving environment or when your mood makes you irritable and impatient, calm down, take a deep breath and relax. An aggressive state of mind will come through in your driving behaviour and affects your safety and the safety of others. Be courteous, content and considerate. Accept the fact that you’re bound to meet all sorts of different drivers on the road. Don’t take things personally. Try to follow some simple courteous driving practices:
•When you merge, make sure you have plenty of room. Always use your turn signal to show your intentions before making a move. If someone cuts you off, slow down and give them room to merge into your lane.
•If you are in the right lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let them by. You may be “in the left” because you are traveling at the speed limit – but you may also be putting yourself in danger by making drivers behind you angry.
•Allow at least a two-second space between your car and the car ahead. Drivers may get angry when they are followed too closely. If you feel you are being followed too closely, signal and pull over when safe to do so, allowing the other driver to pass.
•Use your horn rarely, if ever.
•Keep your hands on the wheel and avoid making any gestures that might anger another driver. That includes “harmless” expressions of irritation like shaking your head.
•If another driver is acting angry, don’t make eye contact.
•Give angry drivers lots of room. If another driver tries to pick a fight, put as much distance between you as possible.
And, remember “it takes two to tango”. One angry driver can’t start a fight unless another driver is willing to join in.”