by Akhilesh Mittal

Created on: March 17, 2009   Last Updated: March 20, 2009

'Road Rash'. That was the game I used to play during my college days, long before I learned to drive. I never imagined that it was a game that was a symbolic depiction of our Road Rage. In real life, when the guy ahead is driving slow, we feel like punching him. Being civilized we just blow the horn and try to make a pass; even if it is a bit dangerous. The incident may rattle the other driver and sub-consciously he/she may make a critical and fatal mistake on the road. What did we gain? Maybe 5 min enroute the destination. But at what cost? Losing patience on the road for a minute and giving in to road rage can be dangerous for both you and others.

Is there something that can be done so that road rage doesn't take place? We may not change others' behavior, but if we can control our behaviour favorably then it may have a positive impact on all of us. There certainly are a lot of things that can be done from our end to avoid road rage.

(1) Share the Road

You don't own the road and everyone of us need to share it with the rest. Sharing also implies being courteous to others.

(2) Use the Horn only when it is must

Don't use your horn to honk if you see somebody driving slow on the road. Driving slow maybe a matter of the speed limit, their age, driving habit or car load. Use the horn only when it is a must. Honking maybe fun for you but it may adversely impact the person on whom you blew the horn.

(3) Passing Lanes are meant for passing

Keep to the right on passing lanes and let others pass.

(4) Signal before changing lanes

Signalling using your indicator is a good way of letting others know that you are going to change the lane. At times we don't realize the importance of signalling, but it becomes critical in situations when two cars are trying to come to the same lane at the same time.

(5) Avoid Tailgating

Never follow a car too closely. This is considered a bad gesture and implies that the person you are tailgating is going too slow. you can wait for the passing lane and pass the slow vehicle.

(6) Don't use High Beam lights

High beam lights should never be used. High beam lights reflects directly into the eyes of the driver in front of you from his rear view mirror and is also not good for drivers going in the opposite direction.

(7) Be Patient

Be patient in your driving and be patient about others driving as well.

(8) Take a driving course

If you still feel road rage inside you, then maybe it is time to take one of the defensive driving classes.

Driving is a pleasure. Let it be a pleasure not only for you but also for others on the road. If all of us follow avoidance techniques discussed above, we can help keep it that way.

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