Often when I ride in and around this congested metroplex I live in, I very frequently encounter aggressive drivers and witness acts of aggression on the highway. Over the years, I have learned how my own actions can either trigger or prevent these actions in other drivers. Some drivers are more prone to become aggressive than others, and it may not take much to cause them to become aggressive. I have found that simple acts of kindness go a long way toward preventing aggression, like changing lanes to let a vehicle enter from an entrance ramp, or slowing down to create a space in front of me so a car that is trying to change lanes can get in. Many times folks will try to speed up to close a gap to squeeze the guy out in the next lane that is trying to get over, or speeding up to get in front of a car coming down an entrance ramp. These are actions that can trigger an aggressive driver, as are many others. I have learned that I can greatly reduce aggressive driving incidents by simply trying to avoid maneuvers that will trigger them. Basically it comes down to common sense (which isn't so common these days) and practicing the Golden Rule you learned in kindergarten. Be kind to others and they will reciprocate. Cut them off, and suffer the consequences. While all this may sound pretty trite, it is surprising how easy it is to forget, and how quickly you can find yourself in a bad situation due to something that could have very easily been avoided. I also have found that simply driving a sports car or motorcycle seems to almost invite others around me to do silly things or try to challenge me, so I have to be even extra careful as a result, and I have learned to identify and categorize specific models of vehicles to steer clear of (for me, thats Mustangs and red pickup trucks among others). It reminds me of a bible verse in Mathew 10 that says "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." As a motorcycle rider, I really find this applies. We have to be very weary and alert at all times of our surroundings, but at the same time, we have to make sure that our actions are never perceived as hostile by other drivers. I also have noticed that I have several "modes" that I can slip into and out of while driving/riding. I have a "relaxed mode", a "hurry mode", and an "aggressive mode" as well as a few others. After living and driving in the middle and far east for many years I also have an "overseas mode", and no you don't even want me to go into that one, cause it is pretty scary. What I have found is that while it is pretty easy for me to slip into these modes, it is harder for me to break myself out of them. Once I get into the "hurry mode", the only way I can really get out of it is if I stop somewhere. It's sometimes hard for me to even recognize I have slipped into this mode, which can make it even tougher to break out of it. Lately, I have been making a concerted effort to force myself into a more relaxed mode, and I find that when I do that, I generally tend to be more courteous to others on the highway. I won't say I am an angel on the road, far from it actually, but I think I am getting better. But it does take constant vigilance on my part not to let the wolf come out. Just felt like sharing this. Food for thought anyway.
