Publications
Partners
Johannesburg – Footage of a Mitsubishi Pajero driver attempting to stab another driver has been making the rounds on social media.
The clip shows two angry motorists involved in a road-rage altercation; the Pajero driver whips out a large knife and attempts to jab at the BMW driver. The 4x4 driver can be seen repeatedly stabbing at the BMW's rear door.
The Pajero driver then manoeuvre his SUV in place and hits the BMW.
'Repeatedly stabs the vehicle'
According to the uploader CICA Crime Intel: "Road rage video that everyone is talking about. Angry motorist in a Mitsubishi Pajero pulls a huge knife on a motorist in a BMW 320i & repeatedly stabs the vehicle while shouting that he was assaulted by the BMW driver before smashing his Pajero into the BMW."
Johan Jonck, Arrive Alive editor, said: "This incident seems to have passed way beyond road rage and the physical threat of impending violence - it has escalated to criminal behaviour and an actual incident of destruction of property. For such an individual a charge needs to be laid for reckless driving, assault (which includes the threat of bodily harm) as well as destruction of property for the damage done to the vehicle...
"The law should take its course - we do not need to share the roads with people who cannot behave with the necessary self restraint."
Have you been the victim of road rage? Have you experienced aggressive driving? Email usor get in touch via Facebook or Twitter.
Jonck said: "I don't think we should too easily call everything road rage. Road rage has become the 'group name' for all these incidents of aggressive driving. For aggressive driving we have made several recommendations on the Arrive Alive website on how to resist the urge to retaliate and to get involved."
Tips for dealing with road rage in SA
If you’ve ever cursed at another driver, hooted excessively, tailgated a slow driver or tapped your brakes in front of a speedy follower, you have also exhibited some mild road rage-related behaviour.
Isabel Clarke, a clinical psychologist who specialises in anger management, offers the following advice for dealing with anger:
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 if you're a victim?
Twilley recommends that drivers plan their time and routes carefully to avoid frustration, avoid driving when they are angry/exhausted, use public transportation where possible and listen to soothing music when they drive.
If you feel that you are being targeted by an aggressive driver on the road, she suggests the following:
1 Ignore verbal abuse and rude gestures. Do not engage the aggressor.
2 Keep your doors locked and your windows up.
3 If you are being followed, head to the nearest police station or any other public place that you can receive help.
