Sometimes it doesn’t take much time or energy to go from victim to aggressor on our roadways. One second you’re being tailgated by a nasty driver, the next second you’re tailgating him in retaliation.
While most people are responsible drivers and don’t intentionally make bad driving decisions, at the very least they experience an adrenaline rush followed by a wave of anger when they see or suffer the consequences of road rage. Given the current traffic problems and promises of more congestion as our population increases, these situations are likely to escalate.
We need a way to vent that doesn’t involve stepping on the gas pedal or flashing our middle finger, and the Washington State Patrol has given it to us. A new Web site allows motorists to report aggressive drivers. The information will be gathered to help troopers monitor problem areas.
The State Patrol has already been working to address the situation. Citations for aggressive driving are up an impressive 54 percent. That approach should provide some people with a reality check regarding their driving skills. Anything to keep us safe on the roads is welcome. But this new tool could also serve as a way to help the rest of us – the seriously frustrated motorists – from giving in to aggressive driving and road rage. Knowing that we have another avenue to express our justified anger might keep some of us from expressing it in an unjustified manner with our vehicles.
The horrific beating of 64-year-old Richard Alseth Monday evening in Edmonds by another angry driver shows us just how out of control and frightening these situations can become – and how quickly it can happen.
Aggressive driving and road rage may never be eradicated, but we can take steps to decrease it. And we can be responsible for our own actions by taking a deep breath when we witness it and by refusing to respond in kind. Don’t make eye contact with the other driver; don’t yell or gesture. Pull off to the side of the road and gather your composure, if necessary. And finally, get it off your chest in a note to authorities. You’ll help them and you’ll help yourself.
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