PRESS RELEASE
Development of Road Rage Standard
Standards New Zealand has announced the development of a new Standard to deal with road rage. The Standard will guide drivers on how to express their concern about driving behaviour without resorting to abuse or violence. It will also contain useful tips on how to minimise the risk of upsetting other drivers, and how to compliment other drivers on courteous behaviour.
Standards New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Steele says that considerable research has been conducted, and it is fairly conclusive that abuse directed at another driver has absolutely no impact on improving their driving skills.
"Abuse typically results in counter abuse and no change in driving behaviour whatsoever. The Standard will apply the principle that polite, constructive criticism and positive feedback, are much more likely to change driver behaviour and therefore improve road safety."
The new Standard will propose a combination of headlights, horn and hand signal techniques to express specific messages. For example, a short tap on the horn, a quick flash of headlights and a slow and deliberate shaking of the head would indicate to another driver that you are concerned about their driving behaviour.
"Long blasts on the horn and the use of one or two finger salutes are expressly prohibited," says Mr Steele.
The Standard will also specify signals to facilitate courteous driving. "For example, the well recognised circle, formed by the thumb and forefinger, will indicate 'that's ok'. And a sweeping hand across the windscreen will indicate that you are inviting someone into a line of traffic."
The committee is also looking to identify an appropriate signal for drivers who wish to apologise to another driver when they know they have made a mistake. Mr Steele says this particular signal is proving difficult, but the committee is considering a range of options.
The Standard will also contain information about potential warning signs of bad driving. "Hats, for example, can be a useful indicator. A driver wearing a hat is generally a concern, and should be treated with great caution. But drivers who wear caps are not likely to be a problem as they are protected from sun strike, which is a common cause of poor driving."
However, caps worn backwards are an entirely different matter, says Mr Steele. "Backwards cap wearers should always be viewed with suspicion, both on and off the road. Car colour is also a useful indicator, with bright colours being of most concern. However, drivers of silver cars have been shown to be a bit impatient, and we are therefore proposing that all silver cars be given right of way whenever possible."
The public will have an opportunity to comment on the draft Standard later in the year.
"We are expecting to receive considerable feedback on this much needed Standard," says Mr Steele.
The new Standard provisionally titled 'Management of Road Rage Over-reaction Nationally' (MORRON) is expected to be published on April 1 2008.
Press Release dated April 1 2007
...wonder what else you can do with the well recognised circle made with the thumb and forefinger?
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Originally Posted by Drew
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dont waste your time or time will waste you
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