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Ways to Protect Yourself And Your Family From 'Road Rage'

4 November 1998

Indy Racing Veteran Suggests Ways to Protect Yourself And Your Family From 'Road Rage'

           - Dealing with the Antics of Overly-Aggressive Drivers -

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 3 -- Maintaining a cool head and
avoiding situations that might provoke other drivers are among the steps
motorists can take to reduce the dangers of "road rage," according to Indy Car
racing veteran Lyn St. James.
    "Drivers need to avoid gestures, driving maneuvers and behaviors that
might incite a deliberate attempt by another motorist to harm or endanger
them, their families and fellow drivers," said Ms. St. James.  "It's also
important to be wary of those drivers who create dangerous situations by
driving too aggressively, perhaps not maliciously, but with utter disregard
for the safety of others on the roadway."
    Aggressive driving and road rage should not be taken lightly, she
cautions.  A study released in June 1998 by the American Automobile
Association showed that 25 percent of Americans acknowledged that they had
driven aggressively and 50 percent had seen other motorists exhibit aggressive
driving "within the past couple of days."
    Recognizing the threats posed by such behavior, the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration, the AAA and other safety advocates
recommend actions that motorists can take when confronted with aggressive
drivers and situations that might incite road rage.

    *  Get out of the way of aggressive drivers if you can do so safely.
    *  Don't challenge another driver by "tailgating," speeding up or
       attempting to "hold your own" in traffic.
    *  Avoid gestures.  Don't respond to another driver's menacing gesture and
       don't make any hand movements that could be misinterpreted.
    *  Be a courteous driver.  Clearly indicate your driving intention by
       using turn signals and avoid cutting in front of another vehicle.  If
       another driver cuts you off, it's best to slow down and allow them to
       merge into your lane.  If you have to brake to avoid a crash, and if
       your vehicle has four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), stomp on the brake
       pedal, stay on it firmly and steer where you want the vehicle to go.
    *  Avoid eye contact.  The AAA points out that this "can turn an
       impersonal encounter into a personal duel."
    *  Report to authorities overly-aggressive drivers and clear instances of
       road rage.  If you have a cell phone, get to a safe place and report
       the behavior to authorities.  Many areas have three-digit or four-digit
       special numbers that drivers can use to report the aggressive driver's
       license plate number, vehicle description, general location and
       direction.
    *  Do not pull off the road to confront another driver.  If you feel
       endangered by remaining on the road, find the safest area to stop such
       as a police station, weigh station, rest area or other populated area
       where you will be able to seek protection.
    For more information on vehicle safety technologies and accident avoidance
maneuvers, visit Drive Safer America! on the Internet at
http://www.drivesaferamerica.com or visit Ms. St. James' Web site at
http://www.lifetimetv.com/sports/lynstjames.  Consumers also can request a free
"Drive Safer America!" brochure or free anti-lock brake instructional video by
calling 800-694-5200.