COLUMN: Let’s talk about road rage

Submitted photo.

Ellis County Sheriff Johnny Brown.

Folks, let’s talk about something that we get calls on quite often – "Road Rage."

The calls have gotten more frequent with the construction on Interstate 35 from Milford to just north of Waxahachie.

Here are some tips to help keep you out of a confrontation and keep you safe.

Don’t drive in the left lane continuously (state law says left lane is for passing only). When you are clear and it’s safe to do so, move back to the right lane after passing slower traffic.

Don’t tailgate the car in front of you (don’t follow the vehicle in front of you too close).

Don’t brake check the car behind you (don’t slam on brakes to get the car behind you off your tail).

Don’t cut in front of the 18-wheelers in traffic. If you have to stop suddenly, the truck you just cut off cannot stop nearly as fast as you can and you’re probably going to get rear-ended.

Slow down in construction areas and watch for workers and construction equipment moving through the construction zone. State law requires that you slow down for emergency vehicles on the shoulder of the road and in construction zones. The citations are very expensive if you get caught in a construction zone with workers present and, just a heads up, they are working on the Ellis County I-35 project 24 hours a day.

Leave for your appointment early so you can enjoy your drive and have time to get there safely.

Sooner or later, two idiots meet. With a little courtesy and safe driving, you won’t be the other idiot.

As always, keep our military and service personnel in your thoughts and prayers as we remember that the rights and freedoms we enjoy begin with their service and safekeeping of our great nation. May you have a Blessed Week.

Johnny Brown has served as Sheriff of Ellis County since Jan. 1, 2009, and is a graduate of the National Sheriff’s Institute. He has been in law enforcement for more than 20 years and holds a Master’s Peace Officer’s Certificate with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.