Errrr I really need to work on that accent, I just cant pick it up for some reason, or am I worrying too much that it just doesnt come out? Arggg
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With millions of accidents caused by abusive drivers every week The Safe Drive Stand Agency have recently taken a survey to all that have professional licences for professional driving needs. They simply asked the question, should abusive drivers be taken off the road?
There seems to be no force in place to stop drivers offending with retaliation and intimidation, which can lead to serious accidents. Research shows that 15% of these abusive drivers, that commit in the safety shell of their car will be driven to get out and dangerously confront their victim.
Much of the abuse is often caused by impatience on the road, where we should be driving in a controlled respecting manor instead. Mistakes that are made by the other party, The Safe Drive Stand Agency, clearly state in thick black print, that we should not be taking matters into our own hands, but to remain calm and if an accident is caused its left to our insurance companys to deal with.
We sent Edwina to investigate our roads in Greater London on two Sunday afternoons and she brought back the following report, which she now reads:
"Its supposed to be the most relaxing day of the week, yet the roads are swarming like ants, cars pushing to get to their destination, which is probably home as its 4pm and closing time for most of the shops. I had passed one friendly driver so far and he made me feel good inside, that the world wasnt the selfish place I was expecting. I was happily relaxed in getting to my destination even though the roads seemed to tell a different story looking out on the vast sedulous pursuit of traffic. Not long had I turned into a narrow road I usually pass through numerous times over from day to day and there was a cyclist in front. I wasnt agitated at having to go slow, and I proceeded to follow the cyclist, as you do when its not possible to overtake, and the fast pace traffic on the other side of the road, meant it was actually quite dangerous to try and overtake. Soon the car behind me started beeping, making me feel quite uptight inside. Just before we get to a bend he beeps again and I wonder what it was he was actually trying to tell me because everybody knows you just dont overtake on a bend. I proceeded to follow him but felt I must show the over driver that I did actually quote know what I was doing and overtook the cyclist when there was a smallish gap on the other side of the road and I did vastly accelerate my speed. Guilty as charged a) It could have shocked the cyclist off his bike and b) If I hadnt have made it time a serious accident could have been caused jeopardising many lives.
Its not long before someone else is on my case, for not letting her go onto a moving road, it seems as though I stumbled upon a bunny boiler this time, she was driving ever so close and even tried to overtake me in the single lined queue at the traffic lights and I wonder what was wrong with her letting herself go after me. I was glad when I reached an ambler light and made sure I was that extra little bit slower that she wouldnt have enough time to get through it with me. Think of the dangers I created there, she could have driven into me if she hadnt recognised the speed I was travelling in.
Finally nearly home and Im waiting at some give way signs, there is a lot of fast oncoming traffic in two lanes, so I wait. I come down here quite often so I know there comes a break in the traffic where the lights in the distance turn red, but its not long before a bossy car behind me comes along and his impatientness gets the better of me. He makes a long sound of his horn and panic sets in and I start to question myself again that maybe I should be inching out making my way into the traffic or whatever irrational thoughts of his I was trying to take on myself. So when there was a reasonable gap, knowing it wasnt large enough, but large enough for safety, I pulled out and I literally did pull out in front of a car. Im thankful she realised the intimidation behind me and I gave a gesture of thanks then felt I had to hoot back at the total lack of disrespect for myself.
I had indeed put myself and others in dangerous circumstances due to the inflictions of the frustration and impatience of others. Had I not have accepted their frustration I would not have put myself in these positions and I would still be the cautious driver I am today. Maybe Im the one that shouldnt be on the road."
Thanks for the report Edwina
The Safe Drive Stand Agency quote aggression should not be acceptable in any way shape or form, let alone the most dangerous place open to all of the public, we should be aware and agile respecting other drivers and cyclists. In the near future they hope to reinforce a much stronger message warning all drivers about the effects of misplaced anger.
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