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Old 03-03-2008, 03:11 PM   #16 (permalink)
trebuchet03
MechE
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 1,151

The Miata - '01 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RH77 View Post
I've found that angry gestures responded with kind gestures are fodder for disaster.

I've been in similar situations, and it only makes the angry party that much more PO'd with a smile and wave.

One of the best things to do is to do the "I'm sorry" or "I surrender" with the hands up, gesture. Psychologically, the aggressor feels like they have "won" and violence is less likely to ensue. It's hard to do, but it's all a play on emotions.

I could tell a story of road rage and a Felony conviction, but I'm not at liberty to discuss the case. Let's just say the other party got REALLY upset with the smile and wave...

RH77
I play a different psychological game (at least when it's a guy causing trouble)... I blow them a big kiss. So many people (at least where I currently live) are quite homophobic - so much so that they are at a loss on how to react. I'll get a disgusted look and they get away as quickly as they can...

Tailgaters that are too close - bring on the washer fluid. Gotta keep the windscreen clean for safe driving

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I'm typically more concerned about road rage on my bike while doing turns. People have this mentality that they just can't approach a red light behind a bike - the MUST be in front. They do some rather dangerous maneuvers attempting to do so...
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