Offensive driving is understood also as aggressive driving or arrogant driving, when feelings of anger are related to driving.
Some common characteristics of the offensive driver include the following:
- drink and drive
- speed
- drive unbelted
- run stop signs
- disobey red lights
- tailgate
- weave in and out of traffic
- pass on the right
- make unsafe lane changes
- prevent other drivers from passing
- flash their lights
- blow their horns
- make hand gestures and facial mimics.
Dealing with road rage. Tips for drivers.
• Drive defensively: use your indicators well in advanced of changing lanes. Follow thecar in front at a safe distance, in order to minimise provocation and risk.
• If someone is upset by your driving, respond in a positive way. Indicate an apology. It usually calms most angry drivers down and prevents conflict.
• Drive cautiously and within your abilities. Avoid over-rating your competency as a driver.
• Avoid the temptation to rudely gesture or swear at an annoying driver. It isn’t a weakness to respond to others’ stupidity.
• Remind yourself that your primary purpose as a driver is to arrive safely, not quickly.
• Consider the consequences of provoking or escalating a conflict.
• Carry a mobile phone in the car and if in danger, call the police.
• Drive with your doors locked. If a potential conflict is emerging, close your windows. Don’t open the windows to engage others in conversation.
• After an incident, reflect on your driving behaviour. Did you do something to trigger the incident.
Why are they so offensive?
There is clear association between levels of anger and displays of aggressive driving.References
Aggressive Driving (General Issues)http://safety.transportation.org/htmlguides/AggDrvr/types_of_probs.htm
Avoid Being Aggressive
http://www.wellnessproposals.com/safety/presentations/aggressive-driving.pdf
Literature Review
http://www.stopandgo.org/research/aggressive/tasca.pdf
Learning Activities
http://www.ihscdea.org/documents/aggressive_driving_manual.pdf
Aggressive Driving: Definitions, Laws and Prevalence
http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/tsraggressivedriving1.pdf
CQ Researcher: Aggressive Driving
http://www.popcenter.org/problems/aggressive_driving/PDFs/Glazer_1997.pdf
