Aggressive driving is a major concern and poses a real threat to the safety of all road users.

According to Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications Department, any unsafe driving behaviour performed deliberately, with ill intent or disregard for safety, can constitute aggressive driving.

“In extreme cases, this may escalate to road rage, a violent criminal act intended to cause physical harm,” she said.

Here are some tips on dealing with aggressive drivers, along with ways to reduce your own stress while driving:

• Protect yourself: If you encounter an aggressive driver, ensure your car doors are locked. When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to pull out safely. If confronted, call 10111 or drive to the nearest police station.
• Do not take it personally: Remain polite and courteous, even if the other driver is not. Avoid conflict wherever possible. If challenged, take a deep breath and move out of the way. Never underestimate another driver’s capacity for causing harm.
• Reduce your own stress: Remember that you cannot control traffic; only your reaction to it. Personal frustration, anger, and impatience are often the real hazards on the road.
• Be a courteous driver: Setting a good example can help make our roads safer.

Additional tips:

• Control your anger.
• Avoid making eye contact with aggressive drivers.
• Do not make obscene gestures.
• Do not tailgate.
• Use your horn sparingly— even a polite honk can be misinterpreted.
• Do not block the passing lane.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel