Are you an aggressive driver?

	Name	Symptoms	Remedy
1	Obsessing about slow traffic	“At this rate we’ll never get there” , “I feel like I’m going backwards” , “Now I’m stuck behind this slow driver” etc.	Leave earlier; Give up getting there on time; Distract yourself with radio or music; Admire the scenery; Practice yoga breathing
2	Feeling combative with self-righteous indignation	“This jerk just cut me off gotta give him a piece of my mind” , “I don’t deserve to be pushed around” , “Nobody gives me the finger and gets away with it” “Nobody should fool with me and get away with it”; etc.	Make funny animal sounds; Make up some possible excuses for that driver; Think about your parents and children who might do the same thing; Think about being a saint
3	Feeling excessively competitive	“Darn, that guy made the light and I didn’t” , “How come that lane is faster than this one”	Tell yourself it’s just a habit from childhood to feel anxious about not winning, or being left behind; Remind yourself it feels good to be civil and helpful
4	Being over-critical	“Look at that idiot who forgets to turn off his signal” , “I can’t stand it the way he slows down and speeds up, slows down and speeds up” , “How can he pay attention to the road if he�s babbling on the phone”	Tell yourself it’s human to make mistakes; Recall to yourself your own mistakes; Remind yourself that patience is a virtue; Try to maneuver your car away from that car
5	Love of risk taking	“I like to go fast, but I’m careful” , “I can make this light if I speed up” , “I can squeeze into that opening if I time it right” , “I can insult that driver cause I can get away fast” , etc.	Think of your loved ones and how they would feel if something happened to you; Tell yourself you prefer to be a mature and prudent person

Driving Etiquette

Here are some simple Rules of the Road to remember the next time you go out:

• When driving, pay attention to the task at hand
• Do not stay in the left lane if you are going slower than the traffic to your right
• If you are not passing another car, remain in the right lane(s)
• If a car is approaching from the rear, flashing its lights, move over as soon as you are able
• Do not tailgate, leave a “2 second” space between you and the car ahead of you
• Do not slam on your brakes if a car is tailgating you
• Do not ride your brakes
• Do not change lanes if there is a car in the lane you want to move into going faster than you
• Be courteous to others, if you can’t make a move without obstructing others on the road don’t do it
• Check around your car when changing lanes in order to do so safely
• When entering an interstate, speed up to match the speed of the oncoming traffic before trying to merge
• When leaving an interstate, slow down only when you are totally in the deceleration lane
• When moving into a turn lane, wait until you are in the lane to brake
• When driving behind someone make sure your high beams are off
• Green means GO
• Red means STOP
• Blue means MOVE TO THE RIGHT (and if it follows you, it means you’re screwed)
• Use your blinker to signal a lane change, or a turn
• Do not forget to turn off your blinker
• When encountering a funeral procession, pull over to show respect for the deceased (unless you know the SOB, that is)
• And finally for all you tourists out there in happy-go-lucky land, plan your trip before you leave home so you know where you are going

Driving Tips for New Drivers

21 Smart Driving Tips for New Drivers:

You’re biggest risk of having a bad accident is within the first two years of you passing your driving test. Follow these hints and you can reduce this risk.

1. After passing your test it will be strange to find an empty front passenger seat. The first time you drive take someone with you for support. Think seriously about displaying a `P’ plate.
2. When you do have to drive completely alone, begin on roads that you know but remember to keep a road atlas in the car in case you get lost.
3. When you get your confidence, drive like you own the car, not the road!
4. You’ve learnt to drive and passed your test by sticking to the rules. Stay this way and you’ll stay alive ! So will your passengers and others on the road.
5. Your quick reactions won’t always stop you having an accident. Spotting and responding to problems ahead in plenty of time will.
6. Drive in a way that suits your ability and the traffic conditions. It doesn’t impress anybody if you drive fast in the wrong places and you could end up in a lot of trouble.
7. Have plenty of sleep, especially before making a big journey and take plenty of rest breaks to restore your alertness. Listen to the radio for traffic reports and make sure you’ve enough fuel.
8. Fiddling with the radio or a cassette when your driving can be distracting, so can playing your sound system so loud that you can’t hear the sirens of an emergency vehicle.
9. Give your mates a lift, but remember you’re the driver so you’re in control. Don’t succumb to peer pressure. If they give you hassle, drop them off at a bus stop!
10. Keep your eyes moving but don’t scare your passengers by turning your head away from the road ahead when talking to any of them!
11. Take motorway tuition and seriously think about advanced driver training. Research shows that it makes better drivers.
12. Driving a four wheel drive motor doesn’t suspend the laws of physics. You can still lose control if you ask too much of it.
13. Don’t leave valuables in your car where they can be seen because this invites a break in.
14. Keep space from aggressive drivers. Don’t get involved in trouble.
15. Be seen. Whenever you need to turn your windscreen wipers on switch your lights as well.
16. If you’re driving on a slippery or loose surface use the foot controls very gently.
17. Taking drugs and driving, like drinking alcohol before driving is a definite `No’..
18. Before driving abroad you need professional advice.
19. Keep some tools in your car !
20. If you’re driving alone, particularly if you’re a woman you should:
    a. Plan your journey properly and let somebody know your route.
    b. Carry a pen, paper, maps, first aid kit, torch, small change, warm clothing/blanket and a fire extinguisher.
    c. Carry a mobile phone (only for emergencies).
    d. Carry a personal attack alarm.
    e. Be sure that your car is in good order and join a recovery organization
21. If your vehicle breaks down, don’t panic. There are far more friendly people on the roads than those who would wish to harm you.
    * If you can, pull up where there are houses, street lighting and a telephone.
    * If you are somewhere remote you are at less risk if you stay inside your car. Use your mobile phone. If you have to walk take your personal attack alarm with you.
    * If a stranger does offers assistance, note their car number, keep your doors locked, speak to them through a closed window and send them to get help.

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