Road Rage: 9 Ways to Get Yourself Killed
Given the nation's crowded streets and highways, it's hard not to experience occasional flashes of anger while behind the wheel. But it takes two to tango, and some motorist escalate confrontations that otherwise might quickly have fizzled.
Here, from the AAA, are nine mistakes motorists make that fuel others' road rage.
DON'T: Drive Slowly in the Left Lane
DON'T: Talk Things Over
DON'T: Cut People Off
DON'T: Go It Alone
If a cell phone is handy, call the police (safe to have a passenger place the call, if you've got company in the car). Otherwise, drive someplace where there are plenty of people around - a police station, shopping center, convenience store, or even a hospital.
Whatever you do, don't drive home if you're being followed.
DON'T: Honk Your Horn
DON'T: Think Like a Competitor
Better to adopt a live-and-let-live attitude behind the wheel. Listen to soothing music or a book on tape. Most important is to set aside plenty of time to make your trip - so you won't feel rushed.
DON'T: Show Your Frustration
So no matter how irritated you become, avoid doing anything that might escalate the situation: no obscene gestures; no eye contact with the other motorist and no shaking your head. Always show courtesy - even if other motorists don't treat you courteously.
DON'T: Tailgate
Always drive so that there's a two-second gap between your car and the one ahead of you in the lane. If you are being tailgated, signal and pull over so that the other driver can pass safely.
DON'T: Take Things Personally
Someone who jerks in front of you might not be a jerk at all - but might simply be someone who has a bee or a crying baby in the car. So don't take things personally.