Respecting Other Road Users' Safety Margins | Conflict Avoidance & Driver Safety
Drivers are bound to encounter situations of conflict while driving. These situations can produce reactions that may harm their ability to drive safely.
To avoid these situations of conflict, the driver can do the following:
- Recognize that most situations that may irritate them are done unintentionally. If someone cuts them off, they probably did not see the vehicle in their blind spot. The driver should not get angry and start honking. It will only escalate the situation and distract them and other drivers.
- Do not compete with other road-users.
- Be patient. The driver will get their turn to perform whatever manoeuvre they wish.
- Be calm when driving.
- Do not respond to other drivers' rage. Ignore them if they are trying to voice themselves. Focus on driving.
- Avoid eye contact with other drivers. If necessary, show a friendly wave to appear less intimidating.
- Show courtesy. If the driver makes a mistake, own up to it and show remorse. The driver can do this by waving a hand.