DEALING WITH OTHER ROAD USERS

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As a driver you share the road with many others such as, other drivers of cars, vans, trucks, buses and trams, pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and perhaps even horses.

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The best way to keep life happy on the road is if you drive cooperatively.

This means:

• using your indicators to allow plenty of warning when you are turning or changing lanes

• allowing plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you

• controlling your speed in a smooth manner rather than a fast stop/start manner

• staying in the left lane except when you are passing

• keeping intersections clear

• letting others merge into the traffic

• changing lanes correctly

• slowing down when approaching and passing through roadworks

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There are times when the need for cooperative driving is essential.

This includes places where:

• two lanes merge

• the left lane ends

• extra lanes exist just before and after intersections

• overtaking lanes or divided roads end

• cars are parked and there is not enough room for two vehicles to pass

• drivers need to exit from a small side street

• drivers are parking.

 

Driving a car in today’s traffic can be frustrating and stressful at times. If you lose your temper, it affects your judgement and reduces your ability to drive safely.

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You can keep your cool by:

• planning your trip, allowing plenty of time to get to your destination and knowing how to get there

• if you’re running late, calling ahead before you get behind the wheel

• where possible, avoiding driving if angry, tired or emotionally stressed.

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We don't know what is happening in these other Road Users lives, there are so many scenarios that could make a driver seem aggressive or pushy, whatever their situation, it's best to assume it's a one off and let them squeeze in at the last minute, or accept that they have made a mistake and be thankful that you were paying attention - one day it might be you in a hurry to pick up the kids, or having just had an argument with your partner, running low on fuel and panicking, running late for that important appointment, exhausted after being up with the baby all night... its not an excuse but just an example of reasons people may do things they might not normally do.  If you get angry at every little thing, your life on the road is not going to be pleasant, and it could cause you to make mistakes, and even effect your health in the long run.

 

Sometimes you might make a mistake – it might be as simple as not indicating early enough or moving into what another driver considers to be their personal space. This might upset another driver and lead to them losing their cool. They might tailgate, flash their headlights, use the horn or make obscene gestures.

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You can help others keep their cool on the road. Here’s what you can do.

• If you make a mistake while driving, acknowledge it, give them an apologetic wave

• Always drive cooperatively, even when others are not.

• Give other drivers plenty of space so they don’t feel like you are invading their personal space.

• Concentrate on driving and pay attention to changes in driving conditions (speed, roadworks etc.).

​• If another driver makes a mistake or becomes aggressive, try not to react – remember it is a mistake, not a personal attack.

• Only flash your headlights or use the horn to warn other drivers about a situation that could be dangerous.

• Don’t make offensive hand gestures.

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If you come into contact with an aggressive driver, don’t take it personally.

• Drive normally and try not to react.

• Avoid eye contact.

• Give the other driver plenty of space: if the other driver is in front, increase the gap between you, and if the other car is tailgating you, maintain a steady speed or provide an opportunity to let them pass.

• If hassled or confronted, keep your doors and windows locked and do not get out of your car.

• If you are very concerned, drive to the nearest police station

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Encourage family and friends to enjoy their driving time also by keeping their Cool on the Road.