Road rage is plaguing Trinidadian drivers at an alarming rate. The disrespectful and discourteous manner in which some motorists drive could have something to do with it. And while it's becoming an all too familiar sight on the nation's roads, experts warn that it's no laughing matter. Those who research aggressive driving describe it as any unfriendly or threatening actions, including cursing or forcing another driver from the road, or, in more extreme instances, shooting at the car of another driver. Road rage can lead to altercations, assaults, and collisions, which result in injuries and even deaths. Arrive Alive President, Brent Batson, said in T&T aggressive driving had resulted in numerous recent vehicular accidents, four of which were fatalities.
"Earlier this year, PH driver Terrence Waldron was run over and killed by another PH driver during an argument over an illegal parking spot at Busy Corner, Chaguanas," said Batson. And while Batson stated that most incidents of road rage are not reported, if they were, they would be classified under "Offences Against the Person." He added, "Once the situation moves from words to damaging another person's vehicle or physical assault, the incident has escalated to that of a Criminal Offence. Many people carry knives and cutlasses in their vehicles which in road rage confrontations are usually the first things wielded by offenders." International statistics reinforce the dangers of road rage.
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 66 per cent of all annual traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving actions, such as running red lights and tailgating. Batson, the Operations Manager of Training and Logistics Ltd, noted that traffic congestion, a lack of patience, tolerance and consistent enforcement of Traffic Regulations, all play a part in exasperating the problem.
"It's also caused by stressful home and working conditions, a lack of communication of construction lane closures, alcohol and substance abuse," he said.
As with all problems, the first step to addressing it is admitting that you have one in the first place. Although women are more likely to confess to angry driving, experts reveal that men are more likely to be the real culprits. Batson advised that to reach the goal of safer, more relaxed driving behaviour, people must check their own driving, rather than constantly blame other motorists. "If you're diplomatic, you will be able to move through traffic with amazing ease. Sometimes drivers will go out of their way to help you," he asserted. "Remember Murphy's Law of the Roads: When you are late you will get every single Red Traffic Light! So Leave Early, Drive Defensively and Arrive Alive."
Tips
If you are an aggressive driver, Brent Batson says these tips can help you to pull the brakes on road rage:
• Don't take traffic problems personally. It will cause more stress and anxiety to you and none to the other driver!
• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver.
• Don't make obscene gestures.
• Don't tailgate.
• Use your horn to alert not irritate.
• Don't block the overtaking lane.
• Don't block the Left turn lanes to proceed straight or vice versa.
• Don't speed up to cut off another driver. Such acts could be interpreted as attempts to endanger someone and escalate the situation.
• Leave work and home stress out of driving.
• Leave early to cater for unplanned incidents on the road which may set you back. This will prevent you from speeding and being stressed out by other drivers.
• Keeping weapons in your car such as knives or cutlasses are very tempting.
• Create a relaxing and comfortable environment in your car by playing relaxing music.
• Traffic is a co-operative activity. When you behave cooperatively, you get repaid in kind. If you're aggressive, you trigger in others a natural instinct to fight back and drivers will often try to thwart your progress.
