Wednesday, July 1, 1998

Sheriff offers safety tips against aggressive driving

Aggressive driving -- or "road rage" -- takes many forms. Excessive speeding, tailgating, drivers cutting each other off, reckless lane changes and driving on the shoulder of the road at high speeds are the most frequently observed acts of aggressive driving.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway said his deputies and other law enforcement officers are "keenly aware that such unwarranted driving behaviors are often the causes of traffic accidents and fatalities." The Sheriff warned motorists traveling over the Independence Day weekend to keep their cool while on the road.

To help ensure the safety of you and your family, the Sheriff suggests the following safe-driving precautions for holiday travelers:

• Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. This will reduce your own irritability.
• Be a considerate and defensive driver by always using your turn signals -- even if you are just making a simple lane change.
• Do not do anything in your car that you would not have the rational courage to do in a face-to-face meeting.
• If a tailgater is flashing his or her lights, don't be aggravating, just get out of the way.
• Avoid making eye contact and do not return any hand gestures.
• Do not block the passing lane.
• Use your horn sparingly.

( M O R E )

Caddo Sheriff's Office News Release -2- July 1, 1998

Research indicates that today's drivers are exhibiting increased aggression on the roadways. According to a study conducted by the American Automobile Association's Foundation for Traffic Safety, since 1990 violence-triggered highway accidents have increased nationally by 51 percent. An estimated 13,000 incidents have been documented over that period. It used to be that the most dangerous motorists were considered to be those who were speeding, drunk or not wearing seat belts. Today, officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are focusing on a new problem: angry drivers.

One of the most common causes of anger is stress and frustration associated with work. Typical behaviors displayed by angry drivers include tailgating, speeding and intentionally aggravating other motorists. Some individuals are using guns, knives and other weapons -- including their cars -- to attack, and sometimes fatally injure, their victims.

"Angry drivers come in many forms," Sheriff Hathaway said. "That is the reason it is essential for others sharing the road to display calm, rational behaviors. The key is to defuse a potentially explosive situation before is happens."

"Buckle-up those seatbelts, keep cool and have a happy and safe Independence Day weekend," the Sheriff concluded.