by Neil Dixon

Created on: May 16, 2007   Last Updated: May 20, 2007

Road rage is a worrying epidemic that seems to escalate in line with the greater volume of traffic clogging up our already busy roads. It has become more frequent in occurrence, and the violence being reported, is becoming murderous. Road rage has been the overriding motive for many high profile roadside murders that have taken place in the last twenty to thirty years. Drivers became so enraged with the actions of other road users that they lost the ability to act rationally and became so violent, they killed their fellow motorist.

Many studies have taken place to attempt to uncover the factors that are at work in creating these violence crazed motorists. Results show that the popularity of the motor car has driven road rage to an all time high. Traffic jams are part of every day life for the motorists of the 21st century. Endless road works seem to plague our highways. All we want to do is get home. We don't need some idiot trying to sneak in front of us in the queue; wait your turn buddy!'

Relax and breathe deeply, it's not worth getting worked up about is it. Always respect the other users of the road system. Practice good manners at all times.

Do not make rude hand gestures to other motorists who may have accidentally encroached into your driving space. Tempers will flare when people feel insulted.

Stay in the car at all times. Do not venture out of your vehicle to reprimand the idiot who has just cut you up' at the traffic lights. You do not know how the driver will react to your scolding tones.

Make a sorry sign to show other road users in the event of a driving mishap.
This will pacify the other driver because you have acknowledged your mistake and are apologising for it.

Keep the car cool in hot weather. Heat and traffic jams are a lethal combination. Rationality goes out of the window when someone is suffering from overheating. Wind the windows down to cool the cars air temperature or turn on the air conditioning system.

Play relaxing music on your stereo. Mellow music acts to calm its listeners. You will not feel the need to scream and rant when in the throes of a soft tune.

Remember that accidents happen. The other driver will not have deliberately caused you to take preventative action. They simply didn't see you in their mirrors. Do not humiliate or threaten a fellow motorist for this rare mistake.
Forget it and move on with your journey.

If a motorist is not actively using any of the above points and becomes threatening to you in any way, lock your doors and call the police when possible. Alternatively, honk your horn repeatedly to attract the attention of other road users. The enraged driver will be deterred from striking out if being watched by a host of other motorists that will testify as to the events of the incident later in court.

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