By Vernalee
Before you honk your horn and deny it, my question is - Do you have road rage tendencies or know someone who does?
Road rage is defined as "aggressive or angry behavior exhibited by a driver of a vehicle. These behaviors include rude and offensive gestures, verbal insults, physical threats or dangerous driving methods targeted toward another driver or non-drivers such as pedestrians or cyclists in an effort to intimidate or release frustration."
It is toxic and very dangerous. It is also easy to detect. Yelling at the other driver (who most likely doesn't hear you); excessively blowing the horn; getting out of the vehicle to argue or fight; unnecessary/retaliatory lane switching; throwing explicit derogatory hand signs; speeding to catch up with the driver who cut you off to give him /her a piece of your mind; driving like an angered maniac; ... are all demonstrations of road rage. Sounds familiar? If you exhibit any of these signs, calm down! You have defined symptoms of road rage. If nothing else, you are steaming yourself up like a pot of boiling water! Get control of yourself!
It is true that you have to "drive with the other driver in mind," but stay composed so that your maneuverability isn't flawed! Respect your vehicle to be an instrument that weighs tons even if your counterpart driver regards theirs as a toy. Drive safely and responsibly to your designation and forget the inconsiderate driver. Avoid confrontations and allow the other driver who exhibits road rage conduct to be the jerk as you drive with skilled precision and mature calmness. Your life may depend upon it!
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