One of the most frustrating things to encounter on the road is a driver with road rage. Often, driving near people who have extreme road rage puts you and those around you in danger. However, it’s possible that their road rage is being triggered by something you’re doing. Now, that does not mean you’re in the wrong, but there may be things you can do to make sure you’re not the root of the road rage.
1. Drive at, or right around, the speed limit!
The speed limit is easily one of the biggest causes of frustration on the road. It’s also one of the most ignored road signs, as evidenced by many drivers you’ll see on the interstate. However, it’s extremely important to obey the speed limit to avoid accidents and maintain control over your vehicle. A cause of frustration for many drivers is when people drive below the speed limit; this also creates an unsafe situation for those who are driving the speed limit. It can be difficult to determine just how fast a vehicle is going until you’re extremely close to it, and this can cause accidents. For the safety of yourself and others, make sure you’re driving as closely to the speed limit as possible.
2. Only pass someone or merge lanes if you have enough room.
We’ve previously talked about the 4-second rule for following distance, and there’s a similar rule for passing. Many people say to speed up 10 to 15mph over the speed of the vehicle you’re passing. This is especially accurate on two-lane roads, but only if you’re in a passing zone! However, when merging on the highway, the most important thing to remember is to check your blind spot. Different vehicles have different blind spots; get to know your vehicle, and be sure that you’re safely changing lanes instead of cutting people off.
3. Keep your own road rage in check.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “don’t poke the bear,” and that can apply to your road rage. If you’re getting frustrated by drivers around you, do your best to stay calm. By controlling your own road rage, you’re far less likely to provoke other people on the road. When there’s a few angry drivers on the same stretch of road, driving becomes far more dangerous. Protect yourself and others by controlling your temper!
We know it’s hard to keep road rage on the back burner, but here at Horizon Transport, we’re committed to keeping our drivers safe. Hopefully these tips will help protect you and those around you on your road trips. Safe travels!