The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
April 2008

About 330 words
Anger behind the wheel puts safety in jeopardy

Stress can lead to aggressive driving at the best of times, and traffic and unrealistic schedules can make the situation even worse. It can all add up to dangerous driving behaviour.

Road rage, an extreme form of aggressive driving, can be described as any violent behaviour by a driver of an automobile that causes accidents or incidents on roadways.

Some common types of road rage include verbal abuse or threats, generally aggressive driving, honking or flashing lights excessively, rude gestures or even getting out of the car to confront another driver.

If you drive regularly in Manitoba, chances are you’ve experienced some form of aggressive driving or even road rage.

But just how bad a problem is it?

In a June 2007 poll of 815 Manitobans commissioned by Manitoba Public Insurance, 66 per cent said that tailgating is a problem on our roads, 70 per cent cited weaving in and out of traffic and 78 per cent mentioned speeding as a worry.

“We've never done a campaign specifically targeting road rage, but we have targeted some behaviour that is aggressive and can lead to road rage, such as following too closely,” says Brian Smiley, media relations officer for the public auto insurer.

Some people may not consider themselves aggressive drivers because they don’t resort to abusive behaviours.

But Clif Eden, Manitoba Public Insurance’s manager for road safety, says just holding on to angry thoughts can make some drivers menaces behind the wheel.

“The potential for serious errors of judgment is increased because people are distracted from the road ahead,” he says. “As a result, they tend to drive more dangerously and less responsibly.”

If you want to help to reduce aggressive driving in your community, Eden says courtesy is the key.

“We are Friendly Manitoba, after all," he says. “Don't follow too closely, don't cut people off and allow others to merge into your lane—a little courtesy will go a long way in reducing frustration behind the wheel.”

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© 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance

About 200 words
Eight ways to stay cool behind the wheel

1. Try to create a relaxing and comfortable environment in your car. Get fresh air, breathe deeply and listen to calming music.
2. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination and know where you’re going. If necessary, use a map and plan your route.
3. 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.
4. Don’t take traffic problems personally.
5. Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers.
6. Don’t tailgate.
7. Don’t try to teach anyone a lesson. If somebody drives discourteously, don’t retaliate. Horn blasts or hand gestures will only increase the chance of a dangerous confrontation. If you are confronted, stay in your vehicle and lock your doors.
8. 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.

About 160 words
Slow down for safety in construction zones

As road repair season approaches once again, safety experts remind drivers that delays caused by road repairs are not an excuse to let your temper spiral out of control.

“In Manitoba’s climate, regular road maintenance is essential,” says Clif Eden, Manitoba Public Insurance’s manager for road safety. “It’s always a good idea to give yourself extra time, but it’s especially important once road repair season gets under way.”

Speed limits are lower in work zones because of narrow lanes, gravel, workers and equipment on the roads, and Eden reminds drivers not to speed through work zones.

“Don’t wait until you’re nearly at the work site to apply the brakes. Work zone speed limits are normally 60 km/h in higher speed or rural areas and 30 or 40 km/h in urban areas,” he says.

Fines for speeding in work zones when workers are present have increased substantially in recent years.

“Slow down as soon as you see the warning signs,” says Eden. “Protect the safety of the people repairing our roads.”