Posted on September 24, 2009 by Fiona Hilliard

UK car hire customers are set to find chivalry alive and kicking on British roads if all goes to plan for Road Respect Day, a new initiative being launched by the RAC that aims to put manners on the nation’s drivers.

According to RAC research, being followed too closely, spotting drivers talking on their mobile phones and being cut off by other drivers are the gaffes that get drivers most hot and bothered behind the wheel.

So to help combat road rage incidents, they’ve prepared a few coping strategies.

Some are a little obvious, while others a little strange (angry singing, anyone?) ….see what you think:

Being Followed Too Closely:

RAC Says: Keep your distance, only a fool breaks the two second rule.  If you find someone driving virtually in your boot, don’t break suddenly – stay calm and pull over when a safe opportunity arises.

Stalling at Traffic Lights:

RAC Says: Remember traffic lights are not there as an opportunity to do everything you forgot to do before you set off.  Ensure your hands free is plugged in, your music is sorted and your hairstyle  is in place before you set off.

No Warning Signals:

RAC Says: Always give drivers plenty of notice when you’re changing course and if they’re any way courteous, they’ll return the favour – and help keep the traffic moving.

No Thank You:

RAC Says: Make sure you smile and wave at the person who was kind enough to let you in because good manners cost nothing.

Sing Your Way Out of Trouble:

RAC Says: Instead of venting your anger by cursing or making rude hand gestures, communicate your frustration in a different way.  Try singing your favourite song at the top of your voice.

Drivers Pushing in While You Sit Patiently Queuing in Traffic:

RAC says: Let one car in front of you, drive on and repeat the following to yourself: “I’m a kind and courteous driver, everyone should be more like me.”

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