9.4 Drowsy Driving, Road Rage, Work Zones & Animals on the Road

Drowsy Driving, Road Rage, Work Zones & Animals on the Road

Quick Summary: Some of the most dangerous situations have nothing to do with signs or signals: a tired driver, an angry driver, workers on the road, or an animal ahead. The handbook's "Dealing with particular situations" chapter covers each one. Recognize the warning signs of drowsiness and pull off to rest. Don't compete or retaliate, and if you feel threatened, lock your doors and call police. In work zones, obey traffic-control people and slow down. When you see an animal, slow down and sound your horn rather than trying to drive around it.

1. Drowsy Driving

The handbook says tired drivers can be as impaired as drunk drivers: they react more slowly and are less alert. You can fall asleep without being aware of it.

When and Who

Studies cited in the handbook show that drowsiness collisions tend to happen late at night and early morning (2 a.m. to 6 a.m.) and in the late afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Shift workers, people with untreated sleep disorders and commercial drivers are at greater risk.

The Eight Warning Signs

What to Do

If you notice any of these signs, pull off the road and park somewhere safe and secure, such as a well-lit rest stop or truck stop. Lock your doors, roll up your windows and take a nap.

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2. Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Aggressive driving includes tailgating, speeding, failing to yield and cutting in too closely. It frustrates other drivers and can escalate into road rage, where an angry driver may try dangerous retaliation.

Keep Yourself Calm

• Recognize stress and combat it: get fresh air, breathe deeply and slowly, and listen to relaxing music.
• Don't bring your problems into the car, and take breaks on long trips.
• Don't compete with or retaliate against another driver, and don't try to "educate" them. Leave enforcement to the police.
• Don't take other drivers' mistakes personally.
• Use your horn only when necessary; a light tap is usually enough.

Don't Provoke Others

• Plan your route in advance. Some of the most erratic driving comes from drivers who are lost.
• Drive courteously, yield when it is courteous to do so, and let drivers who are signalling move in front of you.
• If you make a mistake, indicate that you are sorry. An apology greatly reduces the risk of conflict.
• Don't return aggression: avoid eye contact, don't gesture back, and keep away from erratic drivers.

If You Feel Threatened

1. Stay in your vehicle and lock the doors.
2. If you have a cell phone, call police.
3. Use your horn and signals to attract attention.
4. If you believe you are being followed, do not drive home. Drive to a police station or a busy public place.

Street racing is one of the most serious forms of aggressive driving and can lead to Criminal Code charges as well as stunt-driving penalties (Section 10.3).

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3. Workers on the Road

Be extra careful in construction zones and anywhere people are working on or near the road:

• Obey all warning signs, traffic-control people and devices. Lower speed limits are often posted, and speeding fines double when workers are present (Section 2.3).
• In the zone, don't change lanes, be ready for sudden stops, and watch for workers and equipment.
• Other roadside hazards include roadside assistance and disabled vehicles, surveyors, and road-maintenance or utility workers. Slow down and pass with caution, and move over a lane if it is safe.
• Traffic-control workers direct traffic day and night. Follow their instructions. Disobeying the STOP or SLOW sign of a traffic-control person or firefighter is an offence.
• If your lane is blocked and no one is directing traffic, yield to the driver coming from the opposite direction. When the way is clear, move slowly and carefully around the obstacle.
• Be patient and treat road workers with respect.

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4. Animals on the Road

Collisions with animals, mainly moose and deer, are a growing problem. The handbook reports that wild-animal collisions rose 43 per cent over ten years, from 8,964 in 1999 to 12,791 in 2008, and many go unreported. You can meet domestic, farm or wild animals anywhere in Ontario.

Lowering Your Risk

• Scan the road from shoulder to shoulder, especially at dusk and dawn, when wild animals are most active and where animal-crossing signs are posted.
• Reduce speed in darkness, rain and fog.
• Watch for shining eyes at the roadside. If you see them, slow down and be ready to stop.
• Keep your windshield clean and your headlights properly adjusted, and use high beams whenever it is possible and safe.

When You See an Animal

• Slow down and sound your horn.
• Watch for other animals travelling with it.
• Don't try to drive around it. Animal movements are unpredictable.
• If you want to watch an animal, park completely off the road first; don't stop on the shoulder, where distracted drivers could hit you.
• Stay in your vehicle. Getting out increases your chance of being hit by another vehicle.
• If you hit a deer or moose, report it to the local police service or the Ministry of Natural Resources, and don't try to move an injured animal.