Staying sane behind the wheel
Posted Jul 18, 2011 4:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s not your imagination. Drivers are getting ruder on our roads.
A survey by the Canadian Automobile Association finds three quarters of people asked say other motorists have more annoying habits than five years ago.
Eighty-six per cent say road rage and being cut off are the worst offences, but talking or texting also rank pretty high.
A few Calgary commuters tell 660News, drivers should give themselves extra time and space, and that people are generally much less courteous and apt to cause accidents than in the past.
“My main complaint is just people not paying attention pretty much, and focusing on other things while driving,” says one commuter.
Another man says it’s frustrating when people don’t know how to merge and yield.
“It’s always been a pet peeve of mine. Merge is just how it sounds: merge. And yield is a hard end; yield. Watch for it,” he says.
As for what to do to prevent being a part of the road rage problem, Const. Mike Hagen has some tips.
If someone’s bad driving offends you, he says not to take it personally.
“Your chances of ever seeing that person again are a million to one. It was just one of those things, so don’t take it personally. If somebody does cut you off or waves to you with their middle finger don’t sweat it. Move out of their way if they’re tailgating you because they’re in a hurry. It’s not your problem,” says Const. Hagen.
He adds some of the most dangerous drivers may be the least aggressive sort.
“It’s not always the drivers who are driving fast. It’s sometimes the people who are on Deerfoot Trail who should not be on Deerfoot Trail. And you know what? When you’re doing 70 in the fast lane… may I make a suggestion? Find another route that’s within your abilities,” says Const. Hagen.
He says distracted drivers pose a huge danger to other drivers.
