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.
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.
