Did you know that sometimes, road rage is actually considered a criminal offense? This is because road rage is dangerous. The results of angry, aggressive driving can be deadly. Road rage can stem from a sense of self-importance, and being in a hurry.

We are all on the roads for a similar reason: trying to get from Point A to Point B, safely. Being in control of a car moving at 40 MPH is a huge responsibility, and we should treat it that way. The way some people drive, it’s almost like they’ve forgotten that one wrong move could cause injuries or even death.

What if, instead of having road rage, we took on the opposite attitude about driving? What if we were all cautious, courteous, considerate drivers instead? The roads would be a better place.

From Google, the definition of considerate is “careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others.”

How can we be considerate drivers?

• Acknowledge when you are not in a hurry. Sometimes, we notice that someone is waiting to turn right onto the road we’re on. If the stop light turns red, slow down a little early, giving that person space to turn on the road. They will be grateful you did so!
• Just like an act of kindness will bring joy into someone’s life, a kind gesture on the road can do the same thing.
• When you notice a car next to you has their signal on, trying to get into your lane, slow down and allow them to.
• While in the far right lane on the highway, be aware of the cars trying to merge. Slow down and allow them in your lane when possible.
• Be cautious while opening your door in a parking lot. You could be closer to the car next to you than you realize. Watch what you are doing, and do not allow your door to hit the car.
• No one likes when there’s a car following too closely behind us. Some of us have experienced getting rear-ended, and when there’s a car too close behind us, we start to get afraid of what could happen. Leave a decent amount of space between you and the car in front of you.
• Mistakes happen. Sometimes we do not have the best judgment while driving, and accidentally cut someone off, etc. If I make a mistake like this, I like to hold up a peace sign, with hopes the other driver will forgive me.

Some say, “what comes around, goes around.”

By: KayLynn P.