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California State Automobile Association: Be Courteous During This Commute Crisis

13 September 1997

California State Automobile Association: Be Courteous During This Commute Crisis

    SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13 -- Courtesy might save your life
during this BART commute crisis.
    "Congestion is undoubtedly a factor in the increase of road rage
incidents," said Bronwyn Hogan, spokesperson for AAA in Northern California.
"AAA wants to put the brake on road rage during this stressful time."
    The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has suggested some reasons for this
road rage phenomenon.  Increased congestion plays a role in rising tempers.
Some of the worst cases of road rage occur when traffic is so heavy there is
nowhere to go.  Gestures and aggressive behavior degenerates into violent
physical attacks when the drivers get out of their cars.
    "Driving during increased congestion limits speed and movement, and
further stretches out an already long work day.  The potential to act
aggressively occurs when the commute snarl tightens," explained Officer
Sherrie Sarna of the California Highway Patrol Transportation Management
Center.
    Since Monday, the second day of the BART strike, Bay area commuters have
become increasingly frustrated.  CalTrans reports that the bridges in the
affected areas saw increases in daily traffic volume.  Bay Bridge traffic
levels rose 10% during Monday and Tuesday's morning rush-hour period,
representing about 49,400 vehicles.  Highways are swelled, while ferries and
other methods of public transportation try to accommodate the 250,000
displaced BART commuters.
    AAA offers these tips to avoid road rage:

    * Consider altering your schedule to avoid the worst congestion.
    * While in traffic, concentrate on relaxing.
    * Check with your employer to see what options are available to ease the
stress of commuting.  Many companies offer flex-time hours, as well as the
possibility of telecommuting.
    * Pursue alternate methods of transportation.
    * Avoid conflict if at all possible.  If you are challenged, take a deep
breath and get out of the way, even if you are right.  You don't want to be
dead right.

    The AAA affiliate for Northern California, Nevada and Utah serves
3.7 million members with an array of automotive, travel and insurance
services.

SOURCE  California State Automobile Association