 "Photo: To prevent road rage, the AAA Foundation suggests that drivers avoid certain behaviors like tailgati")
Driving is frequently a source of stress for people, especially in densely crowded areas. Nobody likes to be disrespected, cut off or end up stuck behind a slow driver. But behind the wheel people have quick tempers, increasing the likelihood of road rage and vehicle-related violence.
On Jan. 31, Albert Birmingham, 36, of Makiki was involved in an altercation at a Nānākuli McDonald’s parking lot that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old Wai‘anae woman.
The woman, Raelynn Adams, was at the McDonald’s at about 3 a.m. with her boyfriend and a 15-year-old friend. Her boyfriend was the driver.
According to police reports, Birmingham honked at the car carrying Adams and urged the group to hurry up while in the drive-through. After getting their food, Adams’ boyfriend parked and went to confront Birmingham, who was still in the drive-through. Adams and the girl then got out of the car to pull Adams’ boyfriend away. It was then that Birmingham allegedly accelerated his SUV, hitting Adams and the girl.
Both victims were taken to Queen’s Medical Center, where Adams later died.
Birmingham’s blood alcohol level was .132. A person who weighs 170 pounds must drink roughly six 12-ounce beers to reach that level.
Records show that Birmingham has a history of drunk-driving charges and offenses, some of which have been dropped.
It is an extreme case involving alcohol that resulted in a preventable death. But it illustrates that being behind the wheel is a tremendous privilege and responsibility people often abuse. We need to change the way we relate to the people who disrespect us on the road, meaning instead of confrontations or gestures of anger, we practice patience and discernment. We also have to avoid behaviors that may provoke other drivers and be courteous on the road.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the top aggressive behaviors experienced by motorists are tailgating, flashing lights, aggressive or rude gestures, and deliberate obstruction or prevention from maneuvering a vehicle. Other behaviors include verbal abuse and physical assault.
Driving has always been a proactive thing, as has avoiding being a victim or perpetrator of road rage. The AAA Foundation recommends refraining from the following behaviors as to not provoke an aggressive driver: lane blocking, tailgating, gestures, profuse horn use, and blocking traffic, among others. AAA encourages signal use and lights on low beam.
To reduce your own stress, the organization recommends altering your schedule to avoid rush hour; improving the comfort of your vehicle; concentrating on being relaxed; and avoiding driving when you are angry, upset or overtired. It would probably also add avoiding driving when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The AAA Foundation writes that showing the middle finger on the road is like playing Russian roulette – you never know who you are provoking and how the other person may respond.
If we improve our driving habits and avoid retaliation to others, we can reduce road rage incidents, something death, injury or a dented car is just not worth.
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