Safe Driving with Driverthink

When driving a motor vehicle, we are operating an extremely dangerous, life threatening piece of machinery.  As with any dangerous object, it can easily be turned into a weapon.

In more than one of the refresher courses I have suffered through, the automobile has been described as a weapon.  Driverthink and its combat veteran author would disagree – somewhat!

If I’m chopping wood with an axe, the axe is a tool, not a weapon.  It only becomes a weapon when I swing it at someone’s head or perhaps some other miscellaneous body part.  It matters not whether I do this intentionally or otherwise.

So it is with the motor vehicle.  While its intended use is not that of a weapon, it can easily become one.  When, either by intention, by negligence or by irresponsible use it threatens another human being, yes - the vehicle becomes a weapon.

Most normal people don’t particularly enjoy being assaulted, especially by a lethal weapon. They typically develop either a “fight or flight” reaction.  If you’re the one assaulting them and they elect to fight back – you’re going to be experiencing their Road Rage.

Let’s Driverthink about Road Rage.

We would suggest a perhaps controversial distinction between the "Angry Road Rage" driver and the “Assault Driver.”  They are two different animals.  What’s the difference?  It’s a matter of intent.  How can we try to avoid it?

The Assault Driver intends to use his vehicle as a weapon of intimidation.  Suffering from whatever inadequacies he or she may have, when strapping on a steering wheel the Assault Driver feels suddenly empowered.  The vehicle offers the ability to intimidate people and it’s an ability the Assault Driver very much relishes.

This driver is typically not a very responsible person either on or off the road.  He cares nothing about others and drives with absolute disregard for anyone else.  He owns the road and if you’re on it with him, you’re on it at your own risk – at least in his opinion.

If you identify a driver as an Assault Driver you really only have two choices.  You can choose to give him a dose of his own medicine (fight) and issue a dose of your own Angry Road Rage, or you can try to avoid him (flight).  If the Assault Driver should persist in his assault even after you try to avoid him, don’t panic.  Remember that you too, have a weapon at your disposal - and you’re certainly within your rights to use it, at least in a defensive manner.

The Angry Road Rage driver is different.  She may normally be a stable and responsible member of society but she feels she’s been assaulted or perhaps insulted.  Faced with the “fight or flight” reaction she just might choose “fight”.  Bingo – Road Rage!

How can we incite Anger Road Rage in our fellow drivers?

Cut people off.  Tailgate.  Drive slowly in a passing or fast lane.  Drive like you’re totally oblivious to anyone else on the road.  Be a “Stop-on-my-tailgater.  Drive irresponsibly.  Drive when you’re incapable of doing so.  Drive like you don’t know what your doing and/or worse, don’t care.  Show total disregard or contempt for your fellow drivers.

Any of these practices are intentional or unintentional assaults on your fellow drivers. You should anticipate unpleasant reactions from them in response.

So how does Driverthink suggest handling Road Rage?

When faced with Road Rage, first determine what type of Road Rage you’re dealing with.  Is it the Assault Driver or the Angry Driver?  Is he after everyone – or just you?

If it’s an Assault Driver, just let him go.  This driver belongs in the hands of the police or a shrink.  Your counter attack is probably not going to change his attitude.
 
If the driver is focusing on you alone, you may wish to take a lesson.  What might you have done or not done, to set him off?  Back off, focus on your driving - and he’ll probably be on his way.

Most Anger Road Rage is focused on irresponsible or unsafe drivers.  Drive sensibly, skillfully and responsibly and you’ll probably avoid the experience of another’s Road Rage.  Driverthink when you’re driving.

If you feel yourself getting angry - take a pause!  There are plenty of irresponsible drivers out there so get used to it!  Instead of trying to run them off the road, learn to recognize and avoid them.  They are, after all, simply Road Hazards.

Road Rage can never be the right response.  Anyone can get upset when shown total contempt or disregard - but you gotta’ chill out!
 
If you take a deep breath and chill out, you’ll get over it.  If you don’t, your Road Rage incident may remain with you for the rest of your life.  Is it really worth it?

Please Add your COMMENTS BELOW.  What do You Think?