I’m sure you’ve experienced or have seen angry drivers on our roadways.  The Automobile Club of Southern California offers some valuable advice on curbing the rage.

http://news.aaa-calif.com/news/survey-shows-nearly-80-of-drivers-express-significant-anger

Some tips I offer in dealing with road rage:

• When someone cuts you off – let it go, don’t take it personally.
• You cannot educate other on how to drive…it’s not worth the possible dangers if you get angry and honk, yell curse words, or use a variety of obscene hand gestures.
• Remember – you endanger yourself and your passengers when you try to get even with other drivers.
• Also, do not drive angry or in a bad mood.  Cool down, play some uplifting music, or have a picture of someone or something you love near the dashboard – and remember that person, your family, your favorite sport or vacation spot is MORE IMPORTANT than playing the road rage game.
• Let karma get even for you – I see this all the time, someone cuts me off and then that bad driver is often cut-off by other drivers.

Sometimes I imagine that person driving badly or rudely is:

• Running late for work and may be fired.
• Responding to a family emergency.
• Has a stomachache and needs to find a bathroom fast!
• Maybe they were just served with divorce papers or given devastating news.
• They’re just in a bad mood and mentally I wish them well.

Best – Be a courteous driver:

• Control your anger.
• Don’t take traffic problems personally – Let it go.
• Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver.
• Don’t make obscene gestures.
• Don’t tailgate.
• Use your horn sparingly — even a polite honk can be misinterpreted.
• Don’t block the passing lane.
• Don’t block the right turn lane.

Another incentive – the Road Rage Law – you could be arrested if you’re trying to get even with someone, running them off the roadway or deliberately hitting their vehicle with your vehicle.  Jail time and fines may be issued.

Stay Alert-Stay Alive!

Monica Zech

Contact MADD! They helped me and my family when my father was killed by a DUI driver in June of 1992. They helped us through the court system since we didn’t have a clue on our rights, on what to expect, or what to do next! 

Note: If you need a MADD speaker for your next meeting, you are welcome to contact me by email at [email protected] – or call (619) 219-9030.  I am a member of the MADD Speaker’s Bureau.  

Or, contact the MADD office in San Diego:

Program Specialist
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
California, San Diego Affiliate
9948 Hibert Street, Suite 107
San Diego, CA 92131

858-564-0780 ext.6664 direct
877-MADD-HELP victim support
877-572-5256 fax

MADD provides free services to victims of drunk and drugged driving. If you’ve been affected, please call our 24/7 Help Line 877-MADD-HELP or visit madd.org/help.

If you’re the victim of a DUI driver, or you’ve lost a loved one to a D.U.I. driver take action and call MADD at 1-800-GET-MADD.

*We must work together to stop the madness on our roadways…people are basically getting away with murder, even though they’ve heard over and over “don’t drink and drive!

When hosting a party:

You have the opportunity to educate by example that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time…but, make sure guests designate a SOBER driver if alcohol is being served, have them stay the night, or arrange to call a cab, UBER or Lyft driver. There’s a lot we can do to save lives by educating others of our loss! If you lost a friend, keep that friend’s death from going in vain by stopping others from drinking and driving – and never ride with someone who’s been drinking!

Also, as parents, we can also look at ourselves! Sadly, in the last several years, we’ve found more and more “parents” injuring and killing their own families while driving-under-the-influence.  My family’s safety means more to me than alcoholic beverages! So I don’t drink alcoholic beverages – it’s that simple! I’ve chosen to be a good safety role model for my daughter and others. So what are your priorities? Or, are you willing to take the risk? The risk of your family’s life!

Remember, you don’t have to be drunk to kill or injure. Alcohol is a “drug” – a “depressant”…a drug that immediately dulls the senses needed to be a safe driver! Also, always protect

yourself and your passengers by always buckling up and driving “alert”! Expect the unexpected!