Panic button response to road rage

By Alastair Sloane


Honda is putting a self-defence system in its cars to help to protect drivers from road rage attacks.

The after-market accessory is basically a panic button and went on sale at Honda dealers in Britain last weekend.

It activates a 120dB siren, the car's hazard lights, and a voice recording, which repeatedly yells, "Help, driver under attack, call the police".

The siren, hazard lights and voice message continue until turned off by the driver. The digitally recorded voice can be programmed as male or female.

Honda recommends that the system be concealed and within easy reach of the driver.

It says it can be installed in any type of vehicle and will not interfere with other in-car security systems.

Honda says it came up with the warning system in response to the growing number of road rage incidences in Britain.

A recent Royal Automobile Club survey on road rage has found more than 50 per cent of drivers have been sworn at, more than 66 per cent have received abusive hand gestures and a number have been attacked and punched or rammed by another car.

Honda is aiming the personal attack system mostly at women drivers and the elderly. The unit costs £150 ($400) and is made for Honda by Hamilton & Palmer, a British car alarm company.

A spokesman for Britain's Thames Valley police said: "Honda's initiative is the first by a major motor manufacturer to combat road rage attacks.

"The product will, hopefully, lead to a reduction in the number of motoring incidents that may have previously resulted in an assault and give vulnerable drivers valuable peace of mind.

"It will also help to prevent a number of incidents whereby drivers, particularly of high value vehicles, may become a target of criminal attacks in order to steal their car."

The system comes with advice on coping with road rage:

* To avoid a potential incident do not become defensive with another driver if they are angered by a driving error. Acknowledge your mistake with a wave, or say sorry.

* Do not lose your temper. Returning verbal abuse or threatening gestures will only make things worse.

* If you are followed, make your way to a highly populated area, sound your horn and flash your lights to attract attention.

* Do not rise to challenges while you are driving. Drive within the speed limit and do not be distracted.

* Report any driving incidents to the police, giving as much information as possible.