Many Americans are still making summer road trips or driving to vacations spots despite high gas prices. As you pack luggage, map your route, and make other preparations for your car trip, be sure to make some mental preparations, too. Everyone’s feeling stress due to high prices so keep that in mind for yourself as well as for other drivers. According to an article by LYTX.com, anger is one of the five causes for aggressive driving. Don’t drive while feeling angry, frustrated, or anxious and watch out for those who do.
I have found recently that many drivers have become frustrated with gas prices as well as traffic. Let’s face it, the roads haven’t been this crowded in a long time and you may find, as I have, that there are more people on the road who drive aggressively or distractedly. During my own recent travels, I have constantly been cut off by other drivers. I know that happens occasionally, but it seems like it happens much more often lately. Also, sometimes people race just to get to the next stoplight., Why?
Prepare yourself to drive responsibly and deal with impatient or inattentive drivers. Defensive driving is more important these days. DMV.org has some tips on how to drive defensively.
Before starting your drive, remind yourself to relax and enjoy the drive rather than worrying about keeping a schedule. Drive with a benevolent attitude towards fellow drivers but prepare to react quickly and safely when another driver cuts you off or does something else dangerous and unexpected. I’m always surprised to see that so many drivers seem angry or frustrated while driving. When you see people driving aggressively or distractedly, know how to react responsibly.
Avoid Road Rage
First, take an extra moment to calm yourself and collect y our thoughts when dealing with these aggressive drivers. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Don’t vent your anger and frustration by rolling down your window to exchange words or give that driver the bird!
You never want to find yourself in a physical altercation with any drivers whatsoever! AAA goes so far as advising against locking eyes with the other driver. Keep your distance and keep yourself and your family safe.
If the incident warrants it, like someone is driving recklessly, or you suspect someone might be driving drunk, take down the car’s license plate and report the incident. You can call authorities if the situation is urgent or go on the local police department’s website to report it.
Let the justice system handle the problem. I learned a long time ago that nobody can outrun a radio. You may get some comfort from knowing that, sooner or later, that driver will have justice served. You can read more about this in my book Rent A Cop Reboot.
Today’s decisions will affect your tomorrows!
Continue reading
If you reacted like I did, you thought “Not again!” Everyone’s tired of hearing about yet another mass shooting. Although the police responded quickly to the shooting in the Chicago suburbs on July 4th, the shooter still got of 70 rounds from a long gun and defenseless people died while participating in what should have been a safe, family-friendly, community event. What can you do to protect your family?
Continue reading
Schools out for summer, it’s hot, and everyone wants to get to the pool or beach for some fun. Kids love to jump in and splash, but are they safe? Ensure your family’s safety this summer with swim lessons and water safety tips.
Continue reading
It’s hard to keep your faith in “common sense” these days, especially when you see things like heavily armed police officers not rushing in to stop an armed intruder in an elementary school. We MUST do better.
Continue reading
The best security professionals are trained to know standard operating procedures (SOPs) and live by them. Always. That may mean there are times when it looks like a security guard is not doing their job. That may suck, but it may also be the truth.
Continue reading
We hear about bullies at school, but did you know that almost half of American adults are affected by bullying at work? You don’t have to be bullied, or the bully, to be affected. Even witnessing that type of crap can make you feel less secure at work. If you’re being bullied, or witnessing it, I know it can be tough, but consider this: Don’t keep taking it.
Continue reading
Yes, let’s limit the number of guns in the US, but we can’t stop there. Most of us can do more to help our communities stay safe. If you’re a law enforcement or security pro, ask for more training. Whoever you are, what will YOU do? Do it now!
Continue readingSubscribe today to get regular advice and guidance on all things Private Security related.
Thank you for subscribing!
Have a great day!