Protect yourself from road rage
Updated December 23, 2009
Over the past several years, there has been an increase in road rage incidents. Some cases have resulted in serious injury and even death. The Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/Community Safety Center offers the following tips to help individuals recognize an aggressive driver and minimize the potential danger involved.
Characteristic aggressive driving behavior
- Following too close
- Passing on the right
- Cutting in and out of traffic
- Speeding beyond the flow of traffic
- Failing to signal while engaging in multiple lane changes
- Crossing safety markings while merging onto on-ramps
- Failing to yield at ramps and intersections
- Violating railroad crossings
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Displaying or using a weapon
Strategies to minimize danger
- Don’t react to provocation
- Stay away from erratic drivers
- Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver
- Use your horn sparingly
- Don’t flash your high beams
- Don’t make obscene gestures
- Don’t switch lanes without signaling
- Don’t tailgate
- Don’t block lanes
- When parking, don’t occupy more than one space
- Avoid conflict; allow plenty of time to reach your destination
- Be polite and courteous, even if other drivers are not
- If you must use a cell phone, use a hands-free model (Cell phone users often have difficulty maintaining awareness of speed and surrounding traffic conditions. This is an increasing catalyst for road rage.)
Remember that when you dial 911 on a cell phone, the call goes directly to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). If you become a victim of a highway-related crime, contact the closest law enforcement agency or the CHP immediately.
