Road rage and how to avoid it
By now, you may have already heard or have seen the road rage incident video that has since gone viral on social media between an SUV driver and 2 motorcycle riders in Antipolo City. They were likely heading back from Marilaque—a destination known for its beautiful winding roads, scenery, and food- when the altercation occurred.
Unfortunately, what started as a beautiful Sunday stroll with their family and friends turned to be a life-changing event because all of those involved gave in to their anger.
Road rage is a genuine problem, often fueled by the poor driving or riding habits of many road users. As former MMDA NTFSO commander Edison “Bong” Nebrija said, “Just let it go. Kung papatulan mo pa (if you engage), then it might result to something that you might regret.”
I’ll be honest; I’m also not immune to frustration. I'm a rider, but I get just as annoyed by riders who make inexplicable and dangerous maneuvers on the road. The same goes when there's an unruly driver. Whenever I encounter these kamote drivers or riders, I’m like, “How on earth were these [insert expletives] able to get a driver’s license?”
So, to save ourselves and our families from something that we would surely regret, here are 5 tips to avoid any altercation with fellow road users whenever we drive or ride:
Don’t be a kamote
A kamote driver or motorcycle rider—for a lack of a better term—is an absolute moron on the road. They disregard even the very basic traffic rules and proper driving etiquette, and the word “safety” is not in their vocabulary.
Let’s just not be like them, period. Safety should be our top priority whenever we are behind the wheel or handlebar. Follow traffic rules, be courteous on the road, and, of course, wear the proper riding gear.
Have a defensive driving mindset
Defensive driving involves more than just following traffic laws; it’s about actively anticipating potential dangers and acting to prevent accidents. Essentially, it’s about trying to predict the movements and even the behavior of drivers and other road users around you.
If we have this mindset, we can make safe and responsible decisions based on the current driving conditions and actions of other road users. We could also avoid drivers with aggressive behaviors, and we can maintain a calm and controlled demeanor.
Mob mentality
While riding with a motorcycle club or group is enjoyable, it’s not a license to be reckless or aggressive towards other road users simply because we have backup. If we make a mistake, like missing a turn signal or riding too close, a simple apology wave/honk can often prevent conflict. Conversely, if someone else makes a mistake, it’s best to let it slide and not rally the group behind us. It’s not worth the trouble for all of us.
Another thing: owning a dash cam or other recording device doesn’t grant us the right to act as a self-appointed traffic enforcer, publicly shaming other drivers or riders for their mistakes in an attempt to garner the social media mob’s approval. Shouting “I have a dash cam!” to assert our supposed righteousness against a fellow motorist can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.
Don’t drink and drive/ride
Driving while intoxicated is against the law, and it is for a number of reasons. Also, it’s a fact that driving while under the influence of alcohol (or illegal drugs) significantly impairs a driver’s perception of speed, distance, and time. Alcohol (or illegal drugs) can also exacerbate a driver’s existing emotional issues, making them more prone to anger and irritability.
This can lead to aggressive outbursts while driving, misjudgments, and other dangerous maneuvers. Driving while intoxicated significantly increases the likelihood of being involved in an altercation or even an accident.
Returning home is the ultimate goal
Going to our riding destination is just half of the ride. The ultimate goal is always to return home safely. So again, drive or ride with a cool head and bring lots of patience. Our family is waiting for us at home.
