Play it Safe on the Road – Tips To Avoid Aggressive Driving Situations

The following tips will help you stay calm and protect yourself from aggressive drivers.

Plan ahead. Allowing yourself enough travel time will prevent a time crunch.
Obey the speed limit. Obeying the speed limit will ensure proper traffic flow.
Identify alternate routes. Try to find routes that will enable you to avoid traffic congestion on busier roads.
Just be late. Being late for work or an appointment is better than endangering your life or the life of someone else.
Drive sober. Absolutely never drink and drive.
Keep the kids content. With young children, take regular stops and bring plenty of items to keep them occupied.
Don’t let traffic congestion get to you. Keep in mind that traffic congestion is often a regular part of driving and is best handled with a calm attitude.

Sleep. Make sure you get enough sleep before your drive.
Pull Over. If you’re feeling tired while driving, pull over to a safe place and take a nap or perhaps spend the night in a hotel. There is no better cure for tiredness than sleep.
Be cautious. If you suspect someone else is driving drowsy on the road, keep alert, drive courteously and don’t get angry.

Don’t take it personally. Be polite, even if the other driver is not. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and move out of the way.
Keep your eyes on the road. Don’t provoke an aggressive driver further by making negative eye contact or gesturing. Show them they can’t distract you from driving safely.
Always be a courteous driver. Set an example for other drivers by always being courteous and driving defensively.
Take all safety measures. The number one passenger safety precaution is to make sure everyone is properly buckled up.

Just as community groups have banded together to protect their neighborhoods, drivers must take an active role in preventing aggressive driving on our roads and highways. Here are some simple tips on how to make a difference.
Report incidents of aggressive driving. If your safety, or the safety of someone around you, is being threatened by an aggressive driver, contact the police.
Set an example for younger passengers. Children are keenly observant. Educating them at an early age through your actions will teach them the importance of being courteous.

Source: TheSteelAlliance and Canada Safety Council