LCSO Tip of the Week – Aggressive Driving

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

225 W. Olive Street

Newport, Oregon 97365

Tel (541) 265-4277

Fax (541) 265-4926

TIP OF THE WEEK

Date: May 30, 2016

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING — DON’T DO IT AND DON’T PROVOKE IT

What is aggressive driving? “The combination of unsafe and unlawful driving actions that show a disregard for safety.”

Who are the aggressive drivers? There is no “one profile” of an aggressive driver. Most are relatively young males with a criminal/traffic record, histories of violence and drug or alcohol problems, and many have suffered an emotional or professional setback. However, a growing number of young males and females with no such history are joining these ranks.

What causes aggressive driving? Some reasons for violent traffic disputes involve:

Arguments over parking spaces	Loud music
Cutting a motorist off	Obscene gestures
Refusing to allow another motorist to pass	Overuse of the car horn
Minor vehicle crashes	Slow driving
Tailgating	Failure to use turn signal

How can we protect ourselves? Never underestimate the other driver’s capacity for violence. Be patient and keep your cool in traffic. The best way to avoid being the target of an aggressive driver is to practice basic traffic courtesy:

Do not make obscene gestures
Do not tailgate
Avoid unnecessary use of high beam lights
Use your horn sparingly
Don’t block the passing lane
Don’t switch lanes without signaling
Don’t let use your cellular phone
Do not take more then one parking space
Don’t stop in the traveled portion of the road to talk with others

Avoid blocking the right hand turn lane
If you are not disabled, don’t park in disabled parking areas
Do not allow your car door to hit the car parked next to you
If you are a slow driver, pull over and allow faster traffic to pass
Turn down the music while in populated areas (high traffic, residential areas)

Some helpful attitudes:

Assume other driver’s mistakes are not personal.

Be polite and courteous.

Avoid all conflict if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and get out of the way.

Reduce your stress:

Allow plenty of time for your trip.

Listen to soothing music.

Improve the comfort in your vehicle (seat, temperature, etc.).

Understand that you can not control the traffic, only your reaction.

PLEASE STAY CALM AND STAY SAFE!

For more tips and information, visit our website, use the “MobilePatrol” app on your Smartphone, and Like us on Facebook.

oregoncoastdailynews

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