PETALING JAYA: Road rage cases have become all too common these days. As a driver, experiencing someone else’s road rage is something that can be quite scary. With the correct frame of mind and a bit of planning, you can easily avoid this unpleasant situation from ever happening to you. Remember that in such unexpected moments, a strategy is better than no strategy.
Here’s how to minimise becoming a road rage victim, and what to do if it does escalate.
1. Let it slide
The first point is that with any conflict between two parties, both are likely to have played a part. So try to take yourself away from the problem – let the other driver go on ahead. You might feel wronged, but letting the other party go will make no difference to the rest of your day.
2. Diffuse situation
If both of you have stopped your cars to “iron out” the problem, admit it and apologise if you were at fault. It may be enough to diffuse the situation quickly. And do not do anything that can be interpreted as retaliation. Even if you weren’t at fault, is the argument really worth it?
If the other person is being confrontational or aggressive, don’t make eye contact and don’t react visibly. And in your own mind, try to think about a different subject as quickly as you can, so that the incident doesn’t affect you afterwards.
3. Film for evidence
If you or better, your passengers, can film any behaviour on your mobile phone it will help in terms of evidence, including the registration number of the other vehicle involved.
4. Call the police
If the conflict is more serious and other processes aren’t working; call the police, especially if you feel there is a threat or possibility of violence against you.
Don’t open your door, don’t open your windows fully and don’t start or get provoked into an argument.
As mentioned earlier, a sure way of remaining calm in this situation is to put this incident in the context of your day. How big a part is this compared to your other activities? You might feel frustrated, but letting it go is the best course of action.
5. Drive away safely
If the other party approaches you in your car, can you drive away safely? If you can, consider doing so. But don’t rush off and drive like the getaway driver in a film, or drive off if you think the other driver is going to chase you.
6. Lastly, take your mind off it
Hopefully by now the matter is over and you are driving away. Do acknowledge that this incident will have affected your behaviour. If you feel upset or emotional pull over and get some fresh air or walk around if you need to before resuming your journey.
Again find some distraction, like listening to the radio – move your mind deliberately onto something else – deliberately driving well would be a good example – but don’t dwell on the incident.
> Tips courtesy of Institute of Advanced Motorists
Keyword: Six steps to knock out road rage