Most motorists at times drive aggressively

Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999 | 9:59 a.m.

Are you driving dangerously?

Experts say you might be surprised by the answer. It turns out that most motorists drive aggressively at some time or another.

And many drivers who would not consider reacting violently in other situations can become violent when confronted on the road, says Dr. Leon James, a University of Hawaii psychologist and researcher of aggressive driving and road rage.

But road rage can be avoided and aggressive driving controlled, James and others agree.

The first rule: Don't offend other drivers by cutting them off, driving slowly in the left lane, tailgating or making obscene gestures, Erin Breen, director of the Safe Community Partnership, said. That can be easier said than done. James said he's seen people try to adjust their driving over months and years.

But he is convinced that it can be done -- because he's done it himself, after his wife complained of the way he acted in traffic.

The first step is to do a self-examination, to look at the way you drive and react to others' driving, James said. He suggests taking notes after each drive, asking yourself: How many times did I lose my temper? How do I feel now?

Once you have an idea of the mistakes you make, you can then make a conscious effort to modify your behavior, he said.

"Pick one thing to change on every trip," James suggested.

"We need systematic self-modification techniques," he said. "We need to train ourselves as a driver to be emotionally intelligent."

Breen said that sometimes a long, deep breath can help in many situations. But since road congestion is a major cause of frustration, she suggests simply allowing more time to arrive at a destination to relieve a lot of stress.

One thing that all authorities agree on: Don't get into a confrontation with another driver. Avoid the temptation to give a motorist, especially one that has made a dumb driving error, "the stare."

Eye contact, cursing and hand gestures can and do escalate into violent confrontations at the rate of about 1,000 a year in the United States, James said.

"Don't start the initial aggressive process," Metro Police Detective Steve Winne said.

If someone is threatening you -- verbally, with their car or with a weapon -- drive to the nearest well-lit place, find a police patrol car or go to a police station. The worst thing you can do is react violently to a dangerous driver.

"Keep in mind that it takes two to tango -- or in this case, two to tangle," Breen said.