It's quite common for us to label a road bully "psycho" or "madman" especially after a road rage incident becomes viral. Harsh? Actually, many will say it's justified because no one is entitled to behave like a mobster on the road and take the law into his/her own hands - unless maybe in self defence.
But the thing is, do we ever bother to find out about the 'trigger points' or actual events leading to a road rage incident? True, many such cases are attributable to the aggressive behaviour and bad attitude of some road users (including motorcyclists) - we can't deny that. But do you know that some road rage cases are actually triggered by some pretty harmless, minor incidents?
Yes, sometimes we may be simply unlucky to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet, there are times we may unintentionally get on someone's nerves through our actions! Could that be the reason why occassionally we see reports of elderly uncles and aunties suddenly transforming into 'Incredible Hulks' on the road?
Anyway, since this can be a sensitive subject to some, let's calm down and start by debunking some myths. Firstly road rage is a universal, human problem - it's not a uniquely Malaysian problem.
Secondly, road rage may not necessarily be due to mental disorder. So don't be quick to brand all road bullies as 'mental cases' though sometimes the unkind moniker may be justified. It's actually a psychological disorder apparently due to heightened levels of anxiety or stress, compounded by the environment and circumstances while driving. Which unfortunately means that ordinary people like you, me and our neighbour auntie may all be prone to road rage at the slightest provocation!
That brings us to the next question - what can you do in order not to become a lighting rod for a road rage? Afterall prevention is better than cure, right? Well, there are some suggestions which may help you to avoid crossing paths with potential road bullies.
So, here we go...
# 1 : Don't ever road hog or drive very slowly on public roads! Nothing gets other drivers all riled up more than this. Remember, you are not driving a golf buggy - you are driving a car on a public road. Spare a thought for others who may be rushing somewhere urgently.
# 2 : Don't simply honk - even if the guy in front appears like he's driving in his sleep! Mind you, Malaysians can be a sensitive lot. If you really have to sound out a warning - honk softly lah (hon manja). It's strongly advisable to use the horn sparingly on our roads unless you are itching for a bust-up with a road bully.
# 3 : Make it a habit to use the "signal lights" often. This is one good driving habit that tends to be underrated. In fact whenever you use the signal lights it will actually help to remind and encourage others to do the same. It's also a sign that you are courteous and respectful towards other road users which may help to minimize your chances of falling prey to a potential road bully. Bonus point: Using your signal lights/indicators may also serve as a defence in the event of an accident.
# 4 : Try never to be in a haste. Aw, this can be a tough one because everyone on the road seems to be in a hurry. Or maybe you should just make it a point to always keep within the speed limit. Indeed, at best, speeding may only save you a few insignificant minutes!
# 5 : Don't ever tailgate! This is one of those "cardinal sins" frequently committed on the roads. Come on, aren't we all guilty of tailgating when we are in a hurry to get somewhere? It may remind some of us of the tragic road rage case near Bangi involving an IT worker and a bank manager that ended up with the latter losing his life. For heaven's sake lah guys, stop tailgating as you may rear-end someone - leading to something ugly that may impact your life forever!
# 6 : Drive defensively and give way to others. Given that you will be jostling with many other kiasu drivers daily on congested roads, yes, it may not be an easy thing to do. Still, it's never too late to pick up a good habit. Remember the old Eagles song "Take it easy, take it easy - don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy!"
# 7: Don't flash your headlights unless absolutely necessary. Psst: In Malaysia flashing the headlights may carry different meanings and it can be easily misconstrued. You have been warned.
# 8 : Calm down, be patient. If you are enraged by the sight of some road users blatantly violating traffic rules like running red lights, jot down the details and email to aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my. If not anything else, at least it would calm you down a bit and make you feel better.
# 9 : Don't keep on switching lanes or keep looking for gaps to cut queues. Hello, you are not the only one desperate to reach your destination quickly you know! Remember the bizarre road bully incident at Tuas Second Link in Johor involving a lady who appeared to have totally lost her head. While it may have given the impression that she was the primary culprit, read here to find out what actually transpired that caused her to behave in such an irrational manner. You'd be shocked.
# 10 : Don't do things that might "provoke" other road users. This may include using the emergency lane, weaving in and out of traffic, stopping at a yellow box, making illegal U-turns, showing rude hand gestures and cursing... plus of course talking on your mobile or texting when driving! Now, haven't we all done some of these silly things before?
Lets face it, with the ever increasing traffic volume, road rage and road bullies are here to stay. But if more people care to observe road rules, exercise some self-restraint and be less emotional when behind the wheels, there is a real chance of averting potential road rage incidents - and maybe even accidents!
At any rate, there is no need to feel lousy or vengeful if someone had offended or bullied you on the road. Remember, sooner or later divine justice (or what some may call karma) will catch up with those road bullies - and all the other errant road users too!
Life is short - so on our part, why not make a conscious effort to refrain from doing anything which could trigger a road rage?
JK Joseph is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.