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Help, Safety & Advice
- Road safety
- Motoring advice
- Buying a car
- Maintenance
- What to do in a breakdown or accident
- Be prepared
- Coping with kids
- Managing stress
- Car security
- Caravan safety
- Breakdown safety
- Mobile phone safety
- Motorbike safety
- Fuel economy
- Motoring abroad
- What should I do if I see an accident?
- The cost of motoring offences
- Avoiding the cowboys
- Which type of driver are you?
- Would you pass your test now?
- What to do in the event of a car breakdown
- It's the law - motoring do's and don'ts
- How to replace a tyre
- How do I prepare for an MOT?
- How do I change the oil?
- How to get a good deal on a car
- What do I do if my windscreen is frozen?
- Driving with satellite navigation
- Summer Drivetime Magazine
- Winter Drivetime Magazine
Route Planner
Managing stress
Road rage
Most of us are highly aware of road rage. Outbursts of conflict between drivers have been widely publicised. It is natural to feel concerned about encountering aggression when we're driving. But do keep the risk in perspective. Incidents of unprovoked rage on the road are really quite rare. The chances are that you will never experience anything really traumatic.
Avoiding trouble
- Keep your own stress level low by allowing plenty of time and ensuring you know where you are going.
- Always try to look confident and in control, not nervous and vulnerable even if that's how you feel.
- Be polite and courteous, even when other drivers behave unreasonably.
- Stay calm, don't allow yourself to be provoked or answer back. Avoid confrontation.
- If you make an error of judgement, wave an apology to placate the other driver.
- Drive with your doors locked at night in busy urban areas and keep them locked when stationary.
- Keep the sunroof and windows closed if you're forced to move slowly in areas where you feel uncomfortable.
- Never give lifts to strangers.
Dealing with it
- Low risk or not, be ready for rudeness or aggression from other drivers.
- If you feel threatened, remember that your primary aim is to defuse the situation and get away.
- If another car pulls up alongside or harasses you, avoid eye contact.
- If you have to stop, stay in the car with the doors locked and engine running, ready to drive off or reverse away.
- If you are followed, drive on carefully to the nearest police station or a busy place such as a garage forecourt.
- Use the horn and hazard warning lights to attract attention.
- If you have a mobile phone, call the police for help.
- If you don't have a mobile, keep a plastic toy phone handy, it could be enough to deter an aggressor.
- Memorise the registration number of the other car, its make and colour, and anything you can about the driver's description.
Helping others
- If you observe someone else being harassed, don't be tempted to assist on your own.
- Call the police, either on your mobile, or from a public phone when it is safe to stop.
Mood music
Music feeds the soul. It can also calm the mind. Create a soothing atmosphere in the car with a non-aggressive choice of music:
- Nothing too fast. Doctors recommend listening to something with a slower rhythmic rate than your heart beat.
- Ideally avoid 'techno' music or anything with a really heavy bass beat. It may be 'cool' but it could hype you up.
- Try something with a gentler beat, or classical music.
- Keep the volume at a reasonable level. Booming noise can distract you and may aggravate other drivers.
Safe to drive
Your state of mind is a vital element in safe driving. Calm, relaxed, alert – that is what you need to be to drive safely and responsibly.
Attitude
- Try never to feel hurried or pressurised as you start a drive.
- Make a habit of allowing enough time, whenever possible, so you can drive without feeling rushed.
- Beware of arguments before driving. If you quarrel with someone, allow a few minutes to cool down before setting off.
- Don't allow yourself to be preoccupied with something else when you're driving – the car needs your full concentration.
- Stay cool. If you start feeling hot and agitated, slow down, turn down the heater, open the window a little, then take a few deep breaths to lower your heart rate.
Health
- Try to avoid driving if you feel unwell, or distracted for any reason.
- Don't drink even a small amount of alcohol before driving.
- When taking any medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, check with the doctor or pharmacist about whether they may cause any problems with driving.
