Don’t let aggressive driving ruin your day Published Aug. 25, 2008 By Ron Burrell 21st Space Wing Safety Office PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- I was making my daily commute home from work, driving in the normal heavy afternoon traffic congestion. As I attempted to exit the interstate, a motorcyclist sped by me on the left, traveling well over the posted speed limit. He was weaving in and out of traffic, changing lanes with no regard or concern for his safety or the safety of the other drivers. I thought to myself, 'What an idiot! He's going to cause an accident and possibly seriously injure himself or someone else.' Some of the drivers became very angry, as I observed them giving the motorcyclist "the bird" and making some obscene gestures. I also found myself using some strong language, trying to let this idiot know how I felt about his wanton disregard for jeopardizing my safety and the safety of others. As I continued my drive home, I became even more upset as I observed drivers doing other stupid things -- speeding, running stop signs and traffic lights, tailgating and talking on cell phones. I was so frustrated that I became as much a hazard to myself and others as the drivers I was upset with. Sometimes we can allow ourselves to get so emotionally upset over another driver's aggressive driving habits that we become part of the problem. What is aggressive driving? Aggressive driving relates to any display of aggression by a driver who operates a vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways. As an aside, aggressive driving is not the same as road rage, which involves using the vehicle as a weapon or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle. Such acts are criminal offenses, and there are laws to deal with these violent crimes. Nonetheless, aggressive driving trends seem to be increasing. Part of the problem may exist with the crowded road conditions and increased traffic. People are busier and always seem to be in a rush. Our time seems to be at an ever increasing premium, and traffic congestion readily causes frustration. What should you do if you encounter an aggressive driver? - Remain calm. - Keep your distance. - Do not pass unless you have to. - Change lanes once it is safe. (Don't jump lanes without looking.) - If you can't change lanes and an aggressive driver is behind you, stay where you are, maintain the proper speed and do not respond with hostile gestures. - You may call 911 from a cell phone (after safely pulling off the road and stopping) to report an aggressive driver or a driver you believe to be impaired. There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of ever becoming involved in an aggressive driving or road rage incident. First, use common courtesy and avoid actions which can provoke other drivers. Give the other driver the benefit of the doubt; we all make mistakes. Do not assume that all unsafe driving actions are intentional or personal. Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn't. Secondly, take measures to reduce your own stress so that you are less likely to feel aggressive yourself. Keep your emotions in check and think about the consequences of your behavior before you react. Aggressive behavior behind the wheel could result in serious injury or even death to yourself or someone else. Don't let an impulsive reaction ruin the rest of your life.