SHE SATS . . .

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31118, 22 July 1966, Page 9

SHE SATS . . .

. . . When greatly irritated by another motorist’s careless or discourteous actions, a man-at-the-wheel may often resort to calling down abuse on the miscreant’s head and even spirited fist-shaking, although a few favour the sad shake of the head, intended to convey serious doubts as to the other’s sanity. All of this, of course, does not usually tend to improve the attitude of the other driver!

Women' are generally regarded as the more emotional species, but their reactions usually vary from an irritated hoot on the horn to an exasperated sigh and shrug. Pulling faces and fist-waving are hardly feminine reactions. I have found the best reaction when confronted with another driver’s foolish move is a disarming smile. The effect is stunning—the wrongdoer will often give a sheepish smile in return, and acknowledge his mistake. Instead of driving off in a spirit of injured fury, he will proceed on his way realising his error (usually!)

and with a more pleasant attitude to other road-users. What should the woman driver do if she makes a mistake? Try the same tactics —look feminine and unruffled, and give a disarming smile. You will be amazed at the effect. We all make mistakes, and a tolerant attitude to the errors of others can make life very much easier for everyone. After all what is the good of fist-waving and hurling imprecations? At best it will irritate the other driver, perhaps to such an extent that he will abandon all courtesy and be equally rude to other road-users he meets. Anger and discourtesy at the wheel can lead only to trouble. Sometimes wives, when they are passengers, can calm their husbands. This reminds me of the story of the small boy who usually rode in the family car when his father was driving. One day, when his mother was at the wh< il, he asked innocently where were all the stupid idiots who seemed to crowd the road when his father was driving!