dealing with aggression
Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 7:34 pm
This is one subject that I've seen very little written about, whether in Roadcraft, Mind Driving or on this forum. Rightly the two books focus on one's own attitude towards driving and other road users. I've seen advice on dealing with tailgaters but that's the only specific discussion I've seen here.
A couple of examples of the sort of thing I have in mind: 1. Van cuts into one's lane on a dual carriageway and apparently retaliates to warning headlamp flash or horn with a series of brake tests. 2. Opposing driver in a narrow street forces one to reverse into a main road to let them by.
First example happened to me in last few days, second to my wife today.
I'm sure there are plenty of other examples out there. What are your techniques?
In 1, I already dropped back on heavy braking before the first brake test and had plenty of room, but the chap dawdled in front I guess to sucker me in to trying to (under)take. I didn't.
In 2, my wife felt intimidated to reverse back into a busy road when there was safe opportunity for the other driver to reverse and give way.
So, how best do we deal with aggression directed at us on the road?
A couple of examples of the sort of thing I have in mind: 1. Van cuts into one's lane on a dual carriageway and apparently retaliates to warning headlamp flash or horn with a series of brake tests. 2. Opposing driver in a narrow street forces one to reverse into a main road to let them by.
First example happened to me in last few days, second to my wife today.
I'm sure there are plenty of other examples out there. What are your techniques?
In 1, I already dropped back on heavy braking before the first brake test and had plenty of room, but the chap dawdled in front I guess to sucker me in to trying to (under)take. I didn't.
In 2, my wife felt intimidated to reverse back into a busy road when there was safe opportunity for the other driver to reverse and give way.
So, how best do we deal with aggression directed at us on the road?