Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Keep rage off our roads: Strive to arrive in good spirits
Stress and busy lifestyles can lead to aggressive driving, which can escalate into unpleasant and dangerous road rage.
Be a stress-buster
Make a conscious decision not to take your worries and problems with you when you drive. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Get fresh air, breathe deeply and listen to calming music. By driving safely and courteously you help ensure that other drivers can keep their cool. Signal turns and lane changes, merge carefully and allow others to merge, drive at a safe speed and keep a safe following distance.
Know where you’re going
Before you set out, use a map and plan your route. Drivers who are lost are often erratic.
Don’t “teach them a lesson”
If somebody drives discourteously or dangerously, don’t retaliate. Horn blasts, hand gestures or – worse still – using your vehicle to retaliate will only increase the chance of a dangerous confrontation.
Keep cool at intersections
Always make sure it’s safe to proceed. Know when it’s your turn to yield to others. And don’t stomp on the gas as soon as you get a green light.
If you are confronted
Stay in your vehicle and lock your doors. If you have a cell phone call the police. Use your horn and lights to attract attention. If you think you are being followed, don’t go home. Drive to a police station or a busy public place.
For more information, watch
The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- Driving Etiquette in Driving Tips
- Planning Ahead in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second video on Driving Etiquette directly
