Our roads are becoming more and more treacherous with many motorists disobeying the rules of the road regularly.<\/p>\n
Aggressive driving is of major concern and a real threat to the safety of all road users.<\/p>
Any unsafe driving behaviour, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety, can constitute aggressive driving.<\/p>\n
In extreme cases, that may escalate to road rage which is a violent criminal act involving the intention to cause physical harm.<\/p>
The SAPS has a few tips on how to deal with aggressive drivers, plus some helpful hints to reduce your own stress while driving.<\/p>\n
They are:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Protect yourself:<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. If you\u2019re dealing with an aggressive driver, make sure your vehicle\u2019s doors are locked.<\/p>\n 2. If you\u2019re stopped in the traffic, leave enough room to pull out from behind the car in front of you.<\/p>\n 3. If an aggressive driver confronts you, call 10111 or drive to the nearest police station – don\u2019t address the situation yourself.<\/p>\n \u2022 Don\u2019t take it personally:<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n 2. Avoid any conflict, if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and move out of the way.<\/p>\n 3. Never underestimate the other driver\u2019s capacity for causing harm.<\/p>\n \u2022 Reduce your own stress:<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Understand that you can\u2019t control the traffic, only your reaction to it.<\/p>\n 2. In the end, you may find that personal frustration, anger and impatience are the real danger zones on the highway.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be a courteous driver:<\/p>\n You can set a good example, which can help make our roads safer.<\/p>\n \u2022 Control your anger.<\/p>\n \u2022 Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver.<\/p>\n \u2022 Don\u2019t make obscene gestures.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not tailgate.<\/p>\n \u2022 Use your horn sparingly – even a polite honk can be misinterpreted.<\/p>\n \u2022 Don\u2019t block passing vehicles.<\/p>\n Be sure to reach your destination safely by adhering to the rules of the road.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nALSO READ:\u00a0Man stabbed to death during fight<\/a><\/h4>\n