Hey, Play Nice Out There! OK?

The UK road-safety organisation and breakdown cover company has published top tips for motorists, including a code to help reduce a major cause of conflict on the road: stress. The leaflet also has a checklist to help combat tense situations such as breakdown, traffic chaos and noisy distractions.

Compassion to others

GEM's David Williams explained: “As the holiday season presents some of the most stressful driving conditions, including varying weather and increased traffic, now is the time when a courteous gesture can make a real difference.

"Rather than become frustrated or angry with other road users we need to encourage people to be patient and show compassion to other drivers. Our new leaflet highlights how easy this is.”

The courtesy driving code:

1. Share the road safely.
2. Keep calm, show restraint.
3. Remember: others are not out to annoy you.
4. Do not compete or retaliate.
5. Be patient in traffic.
6. Set an example to others.
7. Give way at busy junctions.
8. Put yourself in the position of the other driver.
9. Say ‘Thank you’.

10. Say ‘Sorry’.

The new leaflet is backed by long-term partner, the ‘National Campaign for Courtesy’. Its chairman, Peter Foot, said: “We're delighted to support this excellent campaign. Courteous behaviour is vital to ensure a better society for everybody but courtesy on busy roads could be a matter of life - or death.”