Car Security
Road Rage

Car security includes dealing with Road Rage. The National Highway Safety Administration says aggressive driving is involved in two-thirds of the nation’s annual 40,000+ traffic deaths. As David Willis of AAA wrote, “It’s important to understand that you can’t control the traffic, but you can control your reaction to it. An impulsive action could ruin the rest of your life.”

Aggressive driving is usually defined by some traffic violation — excessive speed, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, etc. Extreme cases can lead to accidents and even push normal people to commit criminal acts of rage, such as using a vehicle as a weapon or physically assaulting a driver or damaging his or her vehicle. The best car security defense is resisting the temptation to play the game and adopting the ideal mantra for the road: “Let it go.” ... “It’s bad out there,” said Daniel Updike, a victim of a road rage assault. “People don’t realize; they get in the little shell of their car and suddenly they are bulletproof. Yeah, I learned not to give anyone the finger,” Updike said.
Excerpted from The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (NY) – 15 December 2003

Harvin Daly was at a traffic light when he honked at a car that hesitated at a traffic light. Daly said the car followed him and someone inside the vehicle shot him.
Excerpted from WKMG TV6 Orlando FL – 03 July 2006

For car security, always assume the other driver is an armed lunatic (whether armed with a gun or a car), and conduct yourself accordingly. Don’t provoke him to pull the trigger or swerve at you. The leading provocations of road rage are:

• Slowpokes in the fast lane refusing to move over. Worse yet are those who actually speed up to deny someone an opportunity to pass, then sadistically slow down again. Though richly deserving to be drawn and quartered, these belligerent clots in the traffic arteries must be ignored. Let the police deal with it.
• Driving while talking on a cell phone. Distracted by a remote conversation, these drivers weave and wander about dangerously as though they’re intoxicated.
• Competitive driving – those pinballing through traffic and endangering the car security of countless people.
• Tailgating – those who breathe down the neck of anyone in their path.
• Horn blowing and light flashing to demand right-of-way in the fast lane.
• Blocking intersections and lane changes – denying others access.
• Turning corners or changing lanes without signaling.

We have many easily conveyed hostile gestures, such as shaking your fist or giving the one-finger-salute. Yet we have few ways to use body language to clearly signal that we’re sorry if we were in the wrong.

Perhaps a shrug, a sheepish bow, or maybe hang your head with your hand shamefully covering your eyes for a moment. Just be careful that your apology isn’t mistaken for a hostile gesture. Be honest, admit you goofed, and be willing to tolerate a raised finger. Don’t make eye contact, ignore any further hostilities, and drive on. Keep your cool and your distance. If harassment continues, seek an active public stop or call the police on your cell phone. Read “Road Rage to Road Wise” by John Larson and Carol Rodriguez – Thomas Doherty & Associates 1999.

The Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee yesterday said: A survey of 1600 drivers found nine-out-of-10 motorists had been victims of road rage. The inquiry will also consider introducing apology [or "thank you"] hand signals with the apologetic driver holding up his/her hand near the rear view mirror with fingers splayed.
Excerpted from The Melbourne Herald Sun (Australia) – 01 June 2004

For complete car security, see
• Car Security - Overview
• Avoiding Carjacking: being alert and prepared.
• Escaping Carjacking: the best strategies.
• Car Ambushes: traps and escapes.
• Road Rage (YOU’RE NOW ON THIS PAGE): avoiding a lunatic.
• Recap of Car Security.
• Pepper Spray & Devices.

Return to
Car Security - Overview
Crime-Safety-Security Home Page