People who know me well know I drive like a bat out of
hell. I have little tolerance for stupidity, and unfortunately stupidity rears
back its ugly head often on the highways. So what happens when you've been cut
off one too many times?? Or when that jackass pulls in front of you and slows
down?? Or what about driving behind a sports car who has been driving 10 miles
UNDER the speed limit for the last 5 miles??? I'll tell you what happens...
...Road Rage...
This is a term I know well. I have had my fair share of run-ins
on the roads, as both the antagonizer and the antagonized. Crashing my car a
few years back cured me of my personal road rage problem...but what about
everyone else? At my worst I ran someone off the road and into a ditch.
Things have been getting even more ridiculous....fistfights... People getting
beat up with bats... or shot and killed... over something insignificant and
petty.
It's the I'm right and you're wrong syndrome. I think it must be
human nature - people in general can't stand to be wrong. However this
stubbornness prevalent in our species is getting people killed. So what's an
average citizen to do?? Well here's a few suggestions that have worked for me
to deter the enraged...
- Kill 'em with niceness- When that asshole that's
been dogging your ass finally zooms around you...smile and wave. Then sit
back and watch the steam roll out their window...
- Deter Tailgaters - If someone's on your ass and
won't back off start swerving slightly as if you were drunk. I use this
often and 9 out of 10 the tailgater backs off. Another method to deter
tailgaters is to ride your brake, and at random times turn on your turn
signal. They'll think you're lost and might ease up.
- Use the power of cell - As much as I disagree with
the combination of the car and the cell phone (but that's a totally
different rant)- if you're being harassed pick up your cell phone and call
the police. See if you can have to cops intercept you and your harasser
and let's get these fools off the road.
And if you are susceptible to the rage yourself? Take a deep breath, relax,
and just drive. You will get to where you're going. And there's nowhere ANYONE
has to be that is so important that someone's life needs to be put at risk.
Remember that you share the road not only with millions of strangers, but you
share it with your mother... your sister... your boss at work... your
roommate's cousin... people who I'm sure you wouldn't want endangered.