ALL drivers
will recognise the term 'road rage' - but what is it and how is it
avoided? The term includes everything from an irate beep of the horn
to full-fledged physical assault - via abusive language, gestures or
threats.
Whatever the source of frustration on the road, the responsibility
to control aggressive driving lies with the driver. Everyone who
gets behind the wheel should take an honest look at their driving
behavior, try to identify the things that press their 'hot buttons'
and determine to control them.
The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) offers the following tips
for avoiding and coping, with potential road rage situations:-
Responding to road rage
► Don't panic or respond to aggressive behaviour:- Try to think and
act logically and never get out of the car to argue.
► Where possible,
refrain from making eye contact with an angry driver: If the
situation worsens, make sure windows are closed and doors locked.
► If an incident is
becoming serious, keep moving but don't speed away as this can
further enrage the other driver
► Don't become boxed
in by stationary traffic:- Leave a sufficient gap in front to allow
room to pull out if necessary and if trapped by another vehicle,
stay in the car and try to attract attention by flashing lights or
sounding the horn.
► If followed by an
aggressive driver:- Head for a busy area/street, a police station or
hospital - anywhere other people may be present, and call the
police.
► If you accidentally irritate another driver: Simply holding up
your hand to acknowledge the mistake will usually calm the
situation.
Avoiding road rage
► Don't take it personally:- Mistakes happen and other drivers may
not even know their actions have annoyed someone else. Keep calm and
don't overreact.
► Be prepared:- Get enough sleep to cope with the demands of a long
journey and plan to avoid time pressure.
► Don't take it out on the car:- Never drive to express frustration.
It can only make matters worse.
► Enjoy the ride:- Consciously relax before getting behind the wheel.
Sit comfortably upright in the driver's seat, tune into something
relaxing on the radio and fix the air conditioner to a reasonable
temperature.
CHEWITS SUPPORTS CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES
PRIMARY school
children in Southport will be able to enjoy a traditional Christmas
pantomime this winter thanks to much loved kids’ chewy sweet,
Chewits.
The confectionery brand has partnered with established children’s
touring theatre company, Chaplins, to provide 3 to 12 year olds with
2 special productions; Dick Whittington and The Woodcutter and The
Wolf.
The tour, which kicks off in mid-November 2008, will visit towns and
cities across England, Wales and Scotland, putting on more than 750
shows and introducing thousands of children to the magic of
pantomime and theatre.
Stuart Lane, commercial director for Chewits explains:- “Our
aim is to provide fun and entertainment, as well as introduce lots
of youngsters to the traditional Christmas pantomime.”
Chaplins has been running pantomimes within schools for over two
decades. Each year more than 25 troupes of budding actors tour the
length and breadth of the UK, bringing pantomime and theatre to
thousands of children.
Joe Wenborne, director from Chaplins says:- “Pantomime is a
tradition that dates back to the early 1800’s. It’s a wonderful, and
humorous, way to introduce children to the exciting world of Live
Theatre.”
The travelling performances, feature all the elements expected of a
traditional pantomime, audience participation (including lots of
booing, ‘it’s behind you’ and ‘Oh no he didn’t’), original & well
known sing-a-long songs and all your conventional panto characters
such as the flamboyant Dame, the wonderfully heroic principal boy
plus the exceptionally funny silly Billy.
The more traditional of the 2 shows tells the tale of Dick
Whittington and has a cast of five professional players portraying a
staggering 9 characters within 90 minutes and The Woodcutter and The
Wolf has a cast of just 3 who ingeniously portray 6 different and
exciting roles all within a 75 minute time frame.
Both shows are
aimed at the same age range and with superb adaptable sets provide a
professional and convenient way of entertaining children during the
festive period.
Schools interested in booking a Chewits Chaplins Pantomime should
contact 020 8501 2121 on or before 31 October 2008.
Our live Southport
Webcam. To see click live, click on image.
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