By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

Cutting someone off, flipping the bird, laying on the horn and tailgating are not examples of responsible driving.

But they happen all too often, and as the summer driving season is starting up, traffic safety officers are reminding drivers to check themselves before they wreck themselves — or others.

At the minimum, 1,500 men, women and children are seriously injured or killed each year in the U.S. as a result of aggressive driving and traffic disputes, according to a study sponsored by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. And those are just the ones who reported road rage as a factor.

“When you’re driving, you have to remember that we have to maintain the rules of the road — watch your speed, watch your lane usage, signal when you’re going to turn, watch what’s coming up alongside of you: Be aware of your surroundings,” said Robert North, deputy chief of the Berkley Public Safety Department.

Road rage situations have been on the rise, the AAA Foundation has found, and congestion could be a factor. But no matter the number of cars on the road, oftentimes stressful situations lead to aggression.

“A lot of it has to do with being aware, and people driving carefully themselves to prevent a reaction from other drivers,” North said. “If you’re driving appropriately, more than likely you’re not going to enrage another driver.”

Motorists should remember the realities of the road, according to the AAA study, which includes the fact that millions of motorists are armed with weapons — firearms, knives, clubs, and even the cars themselves. Seemingly trivial acts have been known to incite aggression. Crime reports indicate reasons for violent behavior as a result of a road altercation have included, “He stole my parking space,” “He wouldn’t let me pass” or “She gave me the finger,” according to the study.

Getting into a confrontation with another driver is “simply not worth it,” North said.

“Do not engage in eye contact or hand gesture-type of confrontations — you want to avoid such things,” he said. “If a person is attempting to confront you, slow down, turn off on the next street; if it’s safe to use the phone, call 911 if necessary, give your location, tell them you’re involved in a traffic altercation, and give a license number and/or a description of the car.”

The AAA Foundation study suggests working to reducing one’s own stress before getting behind the wheel.

“Making a few simple changes in the way you approach driving can significantly reduce your stress level in the car,” the study says.

One way is to consider altering your schedule to avoid the worst congestion on the road; also allow yourself plenty of time, so you don’t have to speed, beat traffic lights or roll through stop signs. Improving the comfort of your vehicle by using your air conditioner and listening to relaxing music or books on tape in lieu of, for example, anger-inducing talk radio, can help as well.

“While in traffic, concentrate on being relaxed. Don’t clench your teeth. Loosen your grip on the wheel, take a deep breath,” the study says. “Don’t drive when you are angry, upset or overtired.”

Furthermore, give the other driver the benefit of the doubt, the AAA Foundation says.

“Assume that the other drivers’ mistakes are not intentional and not personal,” it reads. “Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn’t; it’s better to err on the side of caution.”

For more information about avoiding road rage incidents, visit the Web site www.aaafoundation.org.

You can reach Staff Writer Jennie Miller at jmiller@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1108.