Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/895972
24 WheelsOfGrace.com Issue 38 STAYING SAFE Move over if someone wants to pass you: Be courteous and allow other drivers to pass you or get over into your lane if it is safe to do so. If you are the one trying to change lanes in bumper to bumper traffic, signal to the driver next to you and "ask" if you can move in. Move over if someone is tailga ng you: If someone is tailga ng you, signal and move out of the way if you can do so safely. The act of signaling alone should communicate to the aggressive driver that you are trying to accommodate them. Lay off the horn: Excessive honking is a road rage trigger for many people and it's generally a rude thing to do. Use your horn sparingly, and in situa ons when you need to alert another driver of your presence in order to avoid an accident. Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver: Roughly half of U.S. drivers reported responding to an enraged driver by yelling back or making a rude gesture. As many as 73% of road rage incidents involve a firearm. This alone is an excellent reason to avoid any kind of contact whatsoever with an enraged driver. Use an "I'm sorry" gesture: If you've encountered an aggressive driver that has communicated some obscene, obnoxious or rude gesture to you, don't "return the favor" with a one-fingered salute or something of that kind. This can only escalate the other driver's rage. Instead, even if you think you are in the right, communicate a gesture that says "I'm sorry." Many mes, the simple gesture "I'm sorry" can diffuse a very tense situa on. Be aware of your high beams: When it's dark outside and you are using your high beams to increase visibility, always remember to switch over to regular beams when you see an oncoming vehicle. Being blinded by an inconsiderate person's high beams on a dark road can lead to road rage. STAYING SAFE If you do become a vic m of another driver's road rage, note the license plate number, and model of the vehicle that has threatened you and call 911. If you're being followed, drive to the nearest police sta on and request assistance. If you are not near a police sta on, drive to a loca on where others can help you immediately, such as a convenience store, shopping center, or a hospital. Use your horn excessively to get someone's a en on. This will usually discourage an aggressive driver. If driving, do not get out of your car. Do not go home. If riding, put as much distance as possible between your motorcycle and the aggressive driver. Susan Handel is a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law, with an emphasis on motorcycle accidents resul ng in catastrophic injuries and fatali es. For more informa on visit her on the web at www.handellaw.com or call Toll Free Na onwide 800.564.1164. www.HandelLaw.com