GEORGE NEWS - From driving on the wrong side of the road or overtaking on solid lines, it seems that bad driving and road rage is increasing. Not only countrywide, but closer to home as well.

In a letter to the George Herald, Thomas Casanova, who uses the R102 (airport road) daily, says that reckless driving has drastically increased on this road in recent months, especially in the early morning. 

"Morning rush hour is a nightmare. There seems to be no law and order. Overtaking drivers, who maintain the speed limit, on a solid or double line is common," he said. "Just the other day a driver overtook me on a solid line and gave me the middle finger while driving past me." 

Read Casanova's letter online.

According to Chantel Edwards-Klose, municipal spokesperson, George traffic department will increase visibility on this road. "George traffic takes note of the complaint and will look to improve visibility on this section of road. Drivers are reminded to adhere to speed and traffic regulations at all times. The municipality plans to have further discussions with the provincial authority regarding possible safety measures on the R102. However, any amendments to the speed limit must be addressed by the provincial department, as it is a provincial road," she said.

Public relations manager of the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA), Layton Beard, says that there is a lack of respect for the law and other road users. 

"Road rules and regulations are not properly enforced and there is no proper prosecution for offenders who break the rules of the road. Furthermore we have to teach our children the rules of the road from an early age so that they grow up respecting it. Parents have to lead by example and pass on good driving behaviour. No one thinks they are bad drivers, but we have to focus on our own driving behaviour," he said.

The driver in the red car overtook Thomas Casanova on a solid line on the R102.

Road rage increasing
According to an article on Arrive Alive's website, road rage has become a major threat to safe driving. The number of reported road rage incidents countrywide has been on the increase over the past few years.

Sally Davies, a clinical psychologist, describes it as a social problem that appears to be increasing all over the world along with traffic congestion and levels of frustration on roads.

"Road rage occurs when people who are already vulnerable to aggressive outbursts are led to express their rage and - more critically - direct it towards total strangers. From behind the wheel, it is so easy to personalise relationships on the road. We find ourselves in a position of power and safety, free to insult other drivers verbally or otherwise."

At the time of going to print no comment was received from the provincial traffic department.

Another vehicle on a seperate occasion overtaking Casanova on a solid line on the R102.

Ways to avoid road rage

• Get enough sleep - Fatigue can make you irritable and angry. On average, you should be getting eight hours of sleep every night.
• Reduce stress by planning - Give yourself enough time to get to work in the morning without rushing and try as far as possible to avoid the worst of the day's traffic by planning your routes and departure times carefully.
• Slow down - Speeding, changing lanes and flashing your lights won't get you where you want to be before everyone else, but it will make you more hostile and impatient.
• Listen to relaxing music - As much as it may be difficult to prove that fast-paced or aggressive music makes for aggressive drivers, soothing music will calm you.
• Take a break, breathe - Monitor your mood. If you start feeling tense or angry, relax your grip on the wheel, sit back and focus on breathing deeply.
• Be a compassionate driver - Don't take it personally when other drivers pull in front of you, hog the fast lane or speed across an amber traffic light.
• Don't shout, they can't hear you - Your fellow drivers cannot hear you when you shout at them, so why get yourself worked up for an audience of none?
• Be courteous, it's a two-way street - Allow drivers to pull out of their driveway or merge into a lane.
• Avoid confrontation - If another driver calls you out on something you did wrong on the road, apologise. If you have something to say to another driver who has made you angry, rather don't say anything at all.
• Keep calm after an accident - Accidents or even a bumper bashing can be very stressful for everyone involved. Try to stay calm.

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