Behaviors around driving habits start with the right attitude. Most people know the law but choose to disregard it at times. This is usually revealed around compliance to speed limits. Speeding without consequences leads to ambivalence toward the law, until a traffic citation or a collision brings about change.
Behavior is often viewed as a reflection of an individual’s attitude. Driving behavior may be interpreted as a reflection of our willingness to follow rules, obey traffic laws and employ safe driving habits.
Commonplace enforcement practices, such as the willingness of police officers to give breaks or maintain an added tolerance margin to speeding and red-light violations, may have contributed to expectations that speeding or sneaking past a red light is permissible. However, radar and photo enforcement devices are not programmed to give any tolerance margins.
127 our experts are availableright now
Your driving record makes a statement about you. Often, employers review the driver license record of prospective and existing employees as part of the hiring process. Why – if the job has nothing to do with driving? Because it is a performance indicator reflecting a willingness to follow rules and regulations without direct supervision.
Driving Under the Influence of Stress
Driving exposes, us to stressors – a reckless driver following us too closely, having to brake hard quickly to avoid a collision, and even just sitting in thick traffic, are just a few examples. Drivers must learn to cope with triggers to avoid accidents and citations. Aside from the basics of operating a vehicle and navigating traffic, the real skill in driving is staying calm and alert.
A few tips to reduce stress:
- Allow for plenty of time during your commute or long trip
- Play some relaxing music; listen to a podcast or audio book
- Get plenty of exercise, rest and nutrition to contribute to an overall sense of wellness
Dealing with Road Rage (Aggressive Driving)
Most drivers obey the laws and exercise courtesy to other drivers. Some, however, use the road to express their aggressive nature. We have all witnessed the driver who speeds, follows too closely, or makes sudden lane changes. A few will experience the fear and stress associated with extreme road rage, such as when a driver goads another driver into a conflict or reveals a weapon to threaten or inflict harm to a driver or passenger. If you are ever followed by someone who will not relent, pull into a well lit area and call 911.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says: ‘Road rage involves a criminal act of violence. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Follow the speed limits and traffic laws
- Give the vehicle ahead of you adequate space
- Refrain from blowing the horn
- Keep your hands on the wheels
- Exercise self-control and breathe deeply
- Don’t drink and drive
- Refrain from staring or make gestures to fellow passengers
- Don’t cut off a vehicle while changing lanes.
