LCPD’s advice on how to avoid road rage on crowded holiday streets

The Holiday season is upon us, meaning the roads will be crowded with those traveling and shopping.

The Las Cruces Police Department is reminding people, as more vehicles are on the road, the best policy is to remain patient behind the wheel.

To avoid road rage and all the problems it brings, the LCPD has these several tips to follow:

— Drive with courtesy.

— Avoid driving while distracted (cell phone use, eating, etc.) as that could lead to unsafe driving.

— Stay in your lane and be courteous to other drivers.

— Use your vehicle’s turn signals as appropriate.

— Headlights: refrain from using high beams within the city and when other cars are approaching.

— Avoid tailgating. The minimum safe distance to travel behind another vehicle, at posted speeds, is two seconds – three is much safer.

— If possible, pull over to allow an aggressive tailgater to safely pass.

— Slow down – but not too slow. While it’s a good practice to slow down and allow more time for travel, it’s not advised to drive substantially below the posted speed limit as that could trigger an already angry follower.

— Refrain from laying on the horn unless it’s absolutely necessary to use as a warning.

— Avoid the parking lot confrontation and let the other driver get that coveted parking space.

— It’s never acceptable to point or wave a weapon (gun, knife, etc.) at another driver.

— Avoid hand gestures or pointing “the finger” at other motorists. You never know how they’ll react to the insult.

If you do find yourself in a road rage situation, the LCPD suggest these tips to help.

— Avoid eye contact and verbal jousting with the instigator to keep the situation from escalating.

— If the road rage persists and becomes dangerous or threatening, call 911 (yes, this is one of those times where a driver can legally use a cell phone). Or, better yet, have a passenger get on the phone and call 911.

— Be prepared to provide the make and model of the other vehicle, and a general description of the road rage suspect.

— Drive to a safe place (police station, well-lighted store parking lot, etc.). Not only might this de-escalate the situation, it might allow police to obtain video footage of the suspect vehicle.

— Refrain from taking matters into your own hands or doing anything that escalates the situation.

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The most important thing to remember as you drive the crowded streets of the Christmas season is the season is about joy and cheer, not anger an impatience. This Christmas, give your fellow residents and drivers the gift of patience.