Courtesy Pays

Although you can do little to prevent other drivers becoming stressed at the wheel you can avoid actions that might trigger conflict by being courteous yourself. It costs nothing to be polite and if you do make an error of judgment a word of apology can usually defuse the situation and avoid confrontation. Likewise a simple wave to say thank you for courtesy extended to you will help to make the roads safer and more pleasant.

Conflict on the Road

Acts of conflict on the road are sometimes reported in the news causing justifiable concern to motorists. Yet the truth is that unprovoked 'rage is' rare and usually occurs as a retaliation for perceived rudeness or aggressive behavior.

Reduce your own Stress

Stress is the major cause of conflict on the road. The following tips may help you to remain calm and safer on the road:

• Vehicle breakdowns can be stressful so ensure that your car is regularly serviced and well maintained. Carry out routine checks regularly and keep the windows and lights clean.
• Plan your journey carefully and know exactly the route to be used. Allow plenty of time for the trip. Never drive for more than two hours without taking a break and avoid driving further than 300 to 400 miles in a day.
• Always obey the speed limit.
• Before setting off ensure that you are comfortable in the car. Adjust the mirrors, seating and heating/ ventilation for maximum comfort. Maintain a constant flow of fresh air into the car.
• Avoid heavy meals before a long journey.
• Drive to the highest standards and maintain concentration at all times.
• Be tolerant of other road users and errors they may make.
• If you encounter a traffic hold-up remain calm and accept that there is probably little that you could have done to prevent the delay.
• Try listening to the radio or a cassette. If necessary stop the car and take a short break. Recognize the warning signs of oncoming stress and develop positive strategies to cope with it.

The Courtesy Driving Code

• Share the road safely - Give yourself time and space to react to the mistakes of others. Always leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Keep calm, show restraint - Every journey brings a risk of frustration and conflict. Be patient. Do not sound your horn or make a gesture in anger.
• They are not out to annoy you - Most aggravating moves by other drivers are unintentional. We all make mistakes, be patient and accept that the action was not directed towards you.
• Do not compete or retaliate - If someone's driving annoys you do not try to 'educate' them. Leave traffic policing to the police and driving instruction to the qualified instructors. Any gesture or move you make may be misunderstood.
• Be patient in traffic - Do not push into traffic queues. If you wait and clearly signal what you want to do other drivers will usually let you in but they do not like being forced into doing so.
• Set an example to others - Do not hog the middle lane on a motorway.
• Give way at busy junctions - Do not queue-jump in traffic jams at road works, look in your mirror and signal in good time before you carry out any maneuver.
• Put yourself in the position of the other driver - The things that annoy you such as 'tailgating' end 'cutting in' annoy the other driver too!
• Say thank you - Courtesy encourages co-operative safe use of the road. Get into the habit of giving a wave to say thank you!
• Say sorry - Apologizing to the other driver when you make a mistake avoids confrontation and helps to defuse anger.

Courtesy of the El Cajon Fire Department Safety Educator Monica Zech - (619) 441-1615