Florida Driver Education
Driving Safe on Florida Roads
Aggressive driving is considered a positive attribute in racing. Famed drivers like Dale Earnhardt are admired for their aggressive driving style and the ability to push their way to the front of the pack. On public streets and highways this kind of driving is frowned on and dangerous. But every driver makes a mistake once is a while. It's how we react that's important.
NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon was fighting is way to the front of the pack at Martinsville in a recent race and bumped fellow driver Kurt Bush. Bush spun out and hit the wall but recovered. Gordon went on to win and made it a point to apologize to Busch. If professional drivers can apologize to each other maybe us amateurs can too.
The next time you're driving along and someone changes into your lane don't assume they are intentionally trying to run you off the road. Slow down and let them go. If you can let another car into traffic, wave them on. This kind of courtesy can go along way to making everyone's daily drive through traffic a lot more pleasant. And it can lower your blood pressure.
If you do come upon an aggressive driver that is intentionally offensive the best approach is to stay away and not react. You never know who is in the car and how far they may take a situation.
Most important is that we adult drivers are setting an example for our kids. If we react aggressively with gestures or foul language then we should expect our children to imitate that behavior.