May 23, 2005
When most people get behind the wheel they take their emotional baggage with them. It's something that experts warn could lead to disaster.
"In America we are awfully competitive and it's very easy to let driving become a competitive activity, and it's not. The car is a personal place for us and it becomes our environment and when that becomes challenged or threatened we tend to go crazy," said Richard Wharam, Driver Education Instructor.
Richard Wharam teaches new drivers to avoid the situation before it starts. "When you engage in speeding, cutting others off, running red lights, you never know what that other driver has got in their car," said Wharam.
If someone is tailgating you, experts warn not to react, they say to ignore the other driver and keep on driving, and if you can, drive to the nearest police station, or call for help.
"We encourage anyone to call 911 to report it. Allow the local law enforcement authorities to handle those types of incidences versus citizens taking it into their own hands," said Sergeant Amos Chiarappa, of the Albemarle County Police Department.
The next time someone cuts you off and your patience is challenged; ask yourself if it's work risking your life.
