Plan ahead. Allowing yourself enough travel time will prevent a time crunch.
Obey the speed limit. Driving too fast can lead to "bottlenecking," bringing traffic to a standstill and frustrating drivers.
Identify alternate routes. Try to be aware of the different routes available to get you where you're going.
Just be late. Learn that being late for work or an appointment is better than endangering your life or that of someone else.
Protecting Yourself From Aggressive Drivers
Don't take it personally. Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver is not.
Keep your eyes on the road. Don't provoke an aggressive driver further by making negative eye contact or gesturing.
Always be a courteous driver. Set an example for other drivers by always being courteous and driving safely. If more and more people start driving this way, aggressive driving behaviors will eventually become less prevalent.
Consider safety options. Before heading out on the road, make sure that everyone's seat belt is buckled and your doors are locked.
Passenger Safety Survey
Besides driving safely, Americans are also focusing on car safety. A just-released survey on behalf of the American Iron and Steel Institute revealed that when asked which automobile materials provide the best protection, 83 percent of respondents chose steel, which was a clear leader over plastic and fiberglass at four percent each and aluminum at 3 percent. Moreover, 82 percent of respondents considered seat belts effective for passenger safety, followed by a car's steel frame (67 percent) and steel side-impact beams (59 percent).
In another survey of licensed drivers, multitasking was cited as one of the most hazardous behaviors in the car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that distracted driving is a factor in 25 percent of all traffic accidents reported to the police.
For more safe-driving tips, visit www.steel.org/summersafety.
Your next trip will be a lot safer if you choose steel over fiberglass and know how to protect yourself from aggressive drivers.
