How to protect yourself from aggressive drivers.

As a driver you have the prime responsibility for reducing the risks you face on the road.

One of these risks is aggressive drivers. If you suspect there is going to be a confrontation with an aggressive driver, lock your doors and do not get out of your car.

If you are driving safely and carefully you will be less likely to encounter aggressive drivers. Follow these simple tips:

• Apply the 2-second rule to stay a safe distance behind the car in front
• Do not drive impaired – This is not just drinking and driving, anything that gets in the way of your concentration and stops you driving to the best of your abilities will be impairing you. The problem with being impaired is that you cannot tell the extent to which you are under performing.
• Take care at junctions. Remember, you share the road with others.

Try and stay calm when you are driving. It has been scientifically proven that when you are angry your critical decision making facilities are impaired. This means your driving abilities will be getting worse. Staying calm behind the wheel is much easier if you can get into these habits:
• Start your journey with plenty of time to arrive at your destination.
• Listen to traffic reports and accept there may be delays due to congestion, rush hour, road works and weather conditions.
• If you are going to be late for an appointment, pull over, turn off the engine and then contact the person you are meeting and give them a new arrival time.
• Do not travel with angry or aggressive passengers. They will only heighten your own sense of frustration and can lead to problems.
• Give fellow road users the benefit of the doubt when you first notice a mistake. If you feel that another driver is a danger to you, slow down and maintain a safe distance.