\
A DRIVING school expert has revealed her top tips for avoiding road rage incidents while travelling on major motorways.
Tina Nicolazzi, president of the AA Indiana Driving School, the oldest such school in the state, has drivers covered when it comes to keeping a potentially dangerous situation calm while out on the road.
3
3
While her top tips include telling her students to clearly indicate where they intend to go, use turn signals and plan ahead for changing lanes, she’s also a big advocate for teaching the dos and don’ts of road rage.
Speaking to FOX59, Nicolazzi recommends restraint in the heat of the moment.
She said: “We really stress the road rage now and how to avoid being a victim of road rage.”
Nicolazzi also explains little-known ways drivers can unknowingly escalate a situation, such as using eye contact – which can be interpreted by an aggressive driver as a challenge.
She added: “Don’t engage them. Don’t speed up to get closer. Don’t brake check them if they’re tailgating you. Don’t make eye contact.”
Other advice includes not responding to aggressive drivers and avoiding the use of gestures – and don’t touch the horn.
She said: “I will never use my horn unless I’ve had somebody almost backing into me.”
Instead, the best response is to simply put distance – quickly and safely – between you and an aggressive driver.
This comes as drivers were recently warned of the states with the worst rage in the whole of America.
According to a 2024 study published by Consumer Affairs, Louisiana takes first place for the state with the worst road rage.
The study looked at speed, accidents, aggressive driving and gun violence among other factors to determine the winner – and Louisiana won.
The state got the top score of 47.32.
In Louisiana, law classifies road rage under reckless driving that could land you a fine of up to $200 and even being imprisoned for up to 90 days – or both for the first offense.
Elsewhere, car users have been warned of a simple phone mistake that can cost them a $200 fine – even if the device isn’t in their hand.
Experts have revealed how to keep yourself safe from the hefty penalties.
Mike Thompson, COO of Leasing Options, explained that the “blue light” emitted from your cell can still be seen as a distraction by cops.
Blue light is the frequency of light put out by most artificial lights on gadgets like phones, laptops and TVs.
Studies have suggested that it can have a marked effect on the user’s concentration, alertness and sleeping patterns.
3
