Daily Times

The angry, impetuous and hostile behavior by vehicle drivers is termed as Road Rage. It’s a universal phenomenon and Pakistan is a notable participant with the staggering number of traffic accidents annually. Non-stop honking, exchange of verbal abuse and even physical brawls are highly rampant at every busy road across country. Besides boiling the blood and burning mental energy, polluting tongues with filthy language, arousing altercations, posing physical and property danger and damage, jamming traffic and displaying entertaining show for passersby, it also adds nuisance to the societal values and ethics. It inflicts stigma to cultural norms and sets an obnoxious example for the future generation.

Most conspicuous reckless and irresponsible driving patterns which irritate and frustrates road sharers and also increase the risk of accidents are tailgating, lane swooping, swerving and overtaking excessively, middle lane hogging, slow speed in the fast lane, over speeding, lack of concentration due to phone usage and running red light. In many cases, a slight error of judgement, violation of law or simply the thrill sprint of a single driver takes the lives of many. According to WHO’s estimation, more than 27000 people lost their lives in road accidents in Pakistan in 2018. Someone is always responsible for such catastrophic occurrences.

Several psychological, behavioral and environmental factors give rise to tension among drivers. Studies and common observations suggest that young drivers are more heedless, impulsive and belligerent behind wheels. Stressful life, troubled thought process and misplaced anger aggravate aggression and fury of motorists. Also, the extreme weather conditions and congested roads with heavy traffic storm out the rage among fussy drivers. Showing off the meritorious driving skills and the superior vehicle, by car drifting or fast speeding, to impress spectators is another surreal and a very frequent behavior among self-assured driving enthusiasts. Like any other habit, driving attitude is also established and matured over time and correction becomes intricate once the habit becomes nature. It is, therefore, mandatory to inculcate the respect for law, adoption and display of patience along with consideration for others’ space and right from an early age.

Either its strict enforcement of law, the remarkable culture of remaining disciplined or driving by the book which have enabled many countries to keep accidents under control. WHO reported 2.8 deaths per 100,000 people in Sweden with 278 total number of accidental demises as compared to astonishingly unfortunate 14.3 per 100,000 in Pakistan in 2018. In many European countries like France, Norway, Spain, Italy etc. this rate is below 6. Even in America despite of its vastness and geographical, ethnic and cultural diversity, the figure is 12.4; high indeed but less than Pakistan. India however is far ahead of us with a shocking 22.6 deaths per 100,000 people. It has a lot to do with the state of mind, perception and conduct of the citizens towards their country and fellow citizens. Noble or vile practices become culture of a society by cultivation of minds and personalities in the righteous or horrendous manner over a period of time.

We are generally a nation of hot tempered and aggressive souls. We are warm in hospitality and cozy in relationships. With our God-fearing upbringing and societal influence, we are majorly inclined towards humanity serving. However, our prime focus remains towards charity drives of giving away Sadqa and Zakat. Being accommodating, adopting patience, giving margin of doubt and being forgiving are becoming rare fortunes of ancestries. And growing road rage is a glaring proof of it. Many a times a trivial mistake or imbecile stupidity spurs a sillier and more damaging overreaction. And in every case, come what may, fault always lies with the opponent.

Many of us try to begin the day on a positive note by adopting various energy and mood boosting rituals like walk and exercises, praying and recitations, wearing favorite clothes and self-styling, healthy eating and breakfast chitchat with loved ones. But once assembled in the vehicle, an aimless Tom and Jerry chase starts with strangers. The fortification of vocabulary of abusive words takes off , all the positivity takes leave and we reach to the destination sometimes with the triumphant smile after not letting the other driver pass or at other times as a lousy loser being crossed over after a long volley and that too by a lady driver; what a disgraceful lose!

In all such scenarios, there seems to be an element of rush among all drivers. Everyone wants to be ahead of others and be the first to cross. But what’s the hurry about? What is so important worth risking peace of mind, property and life?

It is also a disturbing fact that vehicles manufactured for and exported to Pakistan are of lower quality with fewer and faulty safety checks and controls. In many recent incidents, airbags of even luxurious cars did not deploy upon sever collisions. It not only raises big questions on reliability of these automobiles and their safety features, credibility of the manufacturers but it also calls on us to be all the more prudent, cautious and responsible. As wild driving on the confidence of a secured vehicle is foolishness and can be fatal.

Many of us want to quit this practice and be more civilized behind wheels but can’t help it and something in the traffic stimulates the adrenaline rush instigating brain amygdala for some erroneous response. Consequently, we again become part of the futile and senseless competition with other motorists. Surely, old habits die hard. However, it is as simple as making a resolution and as challenging as evading a lucrative temptation. Irrespective of foul play by other drivers, we should strictly follow the law, respect others’ right of space and adopt tolerance, to pave the way for a safer and more relaxed traffic culture in Pakistan. It will save our energy, peace of mind and positivity of life. Let’s be the winner of our quest for a positive life instead of a futile and life threating car race.

The writer can be reached at sunniyakhn@gmail.com