Radio Commentary
It seems
that more and more drivers are acting out their anger when they get behind the
wheel.
After
they've been cut off, tailgated, or slowed down by a car in front of them,
these angry drivers can even commit acts of violence.
Teaching
your children about road rage, and how to prevent it, is vital to their health
and well-being.
One
study of more than 10,000 incidents of aggressive driving revealed that at
least 200 people were killed and another 12,600 people were injured because of
driver anger.
Remember
that you are a role model for your children. Keep your anger in check, and
model behavior for your teens that shows them how to be a safe driver.
One good
rule: Don't take actions that might offend other drivers. These might include
cutting drivers off, driving slowly in the left lane, or tailgating. Avoid
these actions at all costs.
Also,
don't engage. One angry driver can't start a fight unless another one is
willing to join in. So take a deep breath and move on.
It also
helps to “steer clear.” Give angry drivers lots of room and avoid eye contact.
If an angry driver is following you or using a car as a weapon against you,
call for help if possible.
Anger-management
courses have helped many individuals gain insight and practical techniques to
keep their tempers under control.
When
your children are riding in the car with you, remember that they will copy your
behavior. Be a good role model for their sake as well as for your own.
