In an effort to decrease aggressive driving, Nova Scotia RCMP is asking residents to do their best to reduce and manage stress on the road.
Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating, road raging and cutting off other drivers. Stress can trigger these behaviours and increase the likelihood of collisions.
"Safe drivers have cool heads," says Cst. Chad Morrison of the Nova Scotia RCMP. "They're calm in stressful situations and they manage their emotions, even when they're running late or driving alongside aggressive motorists."
Speeding is especially significant because it is so common. In 2016, Nova Scotia RCMP laid 22,243 speeding charges and 124 charges for stunting (speeding more than 50 km/h over the posted speed limit), including 1,711 for speeding and 10 for stunting in April 2016 alone. Those caught speeding can face a fine up to $2,422.50 and a seven-day license suspension in Nova Scotia.
Speeding and impairment often go hand-in-hand. In 2016, Nova Scotia RCMP attended 15 fatal and serious injury collisions attributed to speeding, including four collisions where drugs and/or alcohol were also causal factors. Six of the 15 were fatalities.
There are a variety of ways to reduce and manage stress on the road.
- Give yourself more time: most drives won't be a perfect trip from Point A to Point B. Other drivers, traffic lights and traffic interruptions will often delay you, so give yourself extra time to compensate for these setbacks.
- Cool off: if you find yourself angry or stressed while driving, breathe deeply and remind yourself that these feelings are temporary.
- If in doubt, don't drive: if you feel impaired or too stressed to drive, find an alternate mode of transportation.
Everyone gets stressed and angry sometimes. What's important is recognizing and managing these emotions to keep yourself and others safe on the road.