Our roads are becoming more and more treacherous with many motorists disobeying the rules of the road regularly.
Aggressive driving is of major concern and a real threat to the safety of all road users.
Any unsafe driving behaviour, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety, can constitute aggressive driving.
ALSO READ:Â Police discover human bones in Katlehong
In extreme cases, that may escalate to road rage which is a violent criminal act involving the intention to cause physical harm.
The SAPS has a few tips on how to deal with aggressive drivers, plus some helpful hints to reduce your own stress while driving.
They are:
• Protect yourself:
1. If you’re dealing with an aggressive driver, make sure your vehicle’s doors are locked.
2. If you’re stopped in the traffic, leave enough room to pull out from behind the car in front of you.
3. If an aggressive driver confronts you, call 10111 or drive to the nearest police station – don’t address the situation yourself.
• Don’t take it personally:
1. Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn’t.
2. Avoid any conflict, if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and move out of the way.
3. Never underestimate the other driver’s capacity for causing harm.
• Reduce your own stress:
1. Understand that you can’t control the traffic, only your reaction to it.
2. In the end, you may find that personal frustration, anger and impatience are the real danger zones on the highway.
• Be a courteous driver:
You can set a good example, which can help make our roads safer.
• Control your anger.
• Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver.
• Don’t make obscene gestures.
• Do not tailgate.
• Use your horn sparingly – even a polite honk can be misinterpreted.
• Don’t block passing vehicles.
ALSO READ:Â Man stabbed to death during fight
Be sure to reach your destination safely by adhering to the rules of the road.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.zaor Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
