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WARNING: Strong language
Cape Town - A road-rage incident quickly turned violent as a helmet-cam captures the moment a rider takes revenge against a bottle-throwing driver.
What lead to this altercation is not known but the video starts with the motorist showing the rider his middle finger. The rider returns the obscene gesture.
The rider can be seen riding alongside the driver, at which point the driver chucks what looks like a bottle at the rider.
Turning violent
The rider then stops alongside the road to pick up a rock/stone. He tailed the van for about 30km before pulling up next to vehicle and flinging a stone at the front passenger window, smashing the glass.
The idiocy of both motorists beggars belief.
We've included local road rage clips as well as advice on dealing with aggressive motorists in SA.
Watch the video below:
More road rage clips
Road rage in SA: Bloem driver shows manic side
A dash-cam clip shows a classic SA road-rage moment; a driver being hooted and subsequently driving like a maniac in Bloemfontein.
Click on the gif below to view the video:
'You assaulted me!' Angry driver 'stabs' BMW in bizarre Gauteng road rage
A video shows two angry drivers, one wielding a knife and the other a police baton, attack one another in Gauteng.
Click on the gif below.
Dealing with road rage
Below are 11 tips to help you survive road rage:
1 Recognise your anger signs - If you notice signs that you're breathing quicker or that your heart is beating faster, get out of the situation if you have a history of losing control.
2 Count to ten - Counting to ten helps you to cool down, think more clearly and overcome the impulse to lash out.
3 Breathe slowly - You automatically breathe in more than out when you’re feeling angry. The trick is to breathe out more than in in order to calm down and think clearly.
4 Exercise - It helps to get rid of anger and irritation.
5 Look after yourself - Make time to relax regularly, and ensure that you get enough sleep. Drugs and alcohol can make anger problems worse.
6 Get creative - Writing, making music, dancing, painting and other creative outlets can release tension and help reduce feelings of anger.
7 Talk about how you feel - Discussing your feelings with a friend can be useful, and can help you get a different perspective on the situation.
8 Look at the way you think - Thoughts such as “It’s not fair,” or “People like that shouldn’t be on the roads” can make anger worse because it keeps you focused on whatever it is that’s making you angry. Let these thoughts go and it will be easier to calm down.
What to do if you're a victim
Plan your time and routes carefully to avoid frustration, avoid driving when angry/exhausted, use public transportation where possible and listen to soothing music when driving.
If you feel that you are being targeted by an aggressive driver on the road, the following might help:
9 Ignore verbal abuse and rude gestures. Do not engage the aggressor.
10 Keep your doors locked and your windows up.
11 If you are being followed, head to the nearest police station or any other public place that you can receive help.
For more on surviving road rage, click here.
