Lifestyle

Watch: the really ugly face of road rage in South Africa

Staff Writer

 ·24 Nov 2016

Arrive Alive has published a dash-cam clip showing the ugly side of motorists in South Africa in a road rage incident that took place in Bloemfontein in the Free State.

The clip shows how a fairly innocuous incident can quickly spiral out of control and can endanger the lives of many.

In the clip, a driver of a VW Passat becomes enraged by the actions of a driver of a Toyota Hilux pickup.

He takes action by accelerating before swerving violently in front of the Toyota after raising his middle-finger out of the vehicle, and hooting madly.

Remain Calm… Aggressive moves and raising the middle finger are Not Defensive Driving! @Wheels24 #RoadRage pic.twitter.com/qWHVHNPi5f

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 24, 2016

Arrive Alive has provided a 10 point plan to avoid road rage:

• Forget work or home worries, concentrate on driving.
• Plan your journey to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Adopt a positive mental attitude – to help with frustration.
• Play music this can reduce stress.
• Don’t try to change other drivers attitudes, you can’t but you can change your own.
• Be courteous and stay calm if provoked.
• Drive with your car doors locked and if you see trouble don’t leave the safety of your vehicle.
• Count from 1-10 (it’s old and it works!)
• Don’t retaliate by sounding your horn, flashing your lights or gesturing, this will only aggravate the situation.
• If you are a victim of aggression take the registration number and report incident to the police.

Arrive Alive also provided shared advice by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec and CAA-Quebecon what to do we do when another is already enraged and confronting us?

Tips on handling situations involving aggressive drivers:

If a driver is putting pressure on you:

If possible and safe, move to the left and let the other driver pass you.

If you are faced with aggressive behaviour:

• Stay calm.
• Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver so as not to exacerbate the situation.
• Do not respond to provocative words or actions.
• Do not respond with disrespectful words or actions.
• Do what you can to avoid conflict.

If an aggressive person leaves his vehicle and heads toward you:

• Remain in your vehicle, make sure the windows are shut and doors locked.
• Avoid arguing with the aggressive driver, looking at the person or making provocative gestures.
• Leave the area and go to a place where you can get help.
• Do not go home if the aggressive driver is following you.
• If you’re in traffic and can’t drive away, pick up your cellphone and show the person you are calling the Police.
• If the person doesn’t back off, honk your horn to attract the attention of other drivers.
• Note the make of the other driver’s car and his or her license plate.

Watch: Road rage driver attacks car with a knife in Joburg