Road Rage up close and personal

On Friday morning, driving back from town on the R39, just past the prison, I overtook a truck safely, quickly and efficiently. As we live just up that hill - I as normal slowed down toward our property turn off just that is just past the Nelspan turn off. Suddenly I noticed a dark charcoal grey double cab bakkie speeding towards me, only to slow down at an extremely close and dangerous following distance. At that point, I believed this person was in a hurry for whatever reason and I slowed down even more, thinking that he then was in the clear to overtake me and be on his way. He did not overtake but inching even closer to my rear. I was annoyed but also concerned. I have worked with a client who was hi-jacked in this way.

Coming up the hill towards the Nelspan road, it was clear that the aggression was intentional and I tapped the brake trying to indicate that I was about to slow down to turn off. He angry hooted at me, and my reaction was the middle finger. In hindsight – it qualified for two middle fingers.

Next moment I was being overtaken aggressively, passenger window open and the driver and passenger screaming at me aggressively to pull over. As I was approaching the entrance to our property anyway, I did pull over and left space for them to park next to me.

In hindsight maybe not the safe choice. The rage trigger apparently was the middle finger. The following distance aggression justification remains a mystery.

Do I regret my actions and my reactions and engaging? YES. If I was able to rewind and do it again, would I do the same? The answer is NO. People in general are angry. We all have so many things to be angry about. However, to engage with an angry person is just stupid and dangerous. People get shot for less in this country.

We all experience insane driving - recklessness, lawlessness, aggressiveness and completely disregarding the law, on a daily basis. Are we a part of the solution or a part of the problem?

Life Coaching is a practical outcome talk therapy (Anger Management)

Neuro-Linguistics (NLP), Modern Applied Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

For more information contact: Karin Engman @ Mind Wellness 082 7246985

For your appointment @ Mizpah Centre (Opp JJ School entrance) or @ Hummingbird (Home Office) Ermelo

Published Author: “A Path of Choices”