Earlier today it was reported that an argument over a parking space might have cost a person his life in Cape Town. Even though no exact details are available at present, it is important to consider the value that we place on a human life…What does it say about society if we kill one another for a parking spot, or if we physically assault someone for cutting off our space or making a rude gesture? Don’t we perhaps rely too easily on the defense of provocation as a mitigating circumstance, and can we expect better self control from our citizens?
Road rage and aggressive driving are seen as major threats to road safety in South Africa. In an international study South Africa has been found to be the country with the highest level of road rage. We often use the excuse that the roads are too congested and that the drivers of minibus taxis have no respect for the law – and that these factors are the cause of all our frustrations – but is this true, or are there perhaps deeper frustrations?
Earlier today a friend sent me an email with photos of traffic congestion in Moscow – and suddenly I felt more comfortable with the congested roads and road works on my way to the office. Our traffic congestion does not compare one bit with the chaos in Moscow or the disastrous scenario in most of the cities in India – and perhaps we need to see a bigger picture. Perhaps next time when we sit in traffic, having to postpone a meeting we need to smile at the economic growth achieved in South Africa, the joy of having a vehicle and the privilege of having a meeting to attend…
On the Arrive Alive website we have included comprehensive information on road rage and possible contributing factors. It might however, in light of the unfortunate fatal event in Cape Town, be worthwhile to familiarize ourselves with a simple 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.
• Remember it is better to get there late, than not get there at all.
Also visit the section titled “road rage” on the Arrive Alive website
Recent Comments