story and photo by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Kimberly Bolman, a United States Marine veteran, purchased a home in Blanchard, and planned to live there before two strokes changed her direction.
Today, she is a resident of Acclaim Living, located at 12525 N Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City, in part due to the fact that more than half of their residents are veterans and now call it home.
“I bought a house in Blanchard and then I had two strokes,” Bolman said. “Just having the veterans alone here attracted me. No matter what service you served in, the camaraderie is there. We all get help.”
Having a veteran presence was also appealing to Jess Thomas, United States Army veteran, and his wife Carol Thomas, who also call Acclaim Living home.
“We were wanting to downsize and move into a senior community, and we wanted one that we could be active in and that I didn’t have to worry about Jess, he is independent, but he doesn’t have full speech because he has a facial stroke,” Carol Thomas said. “So, if he wants to go out and do things on his own here, I don’t care. I know everybody knows him and I know that he’s in good hands if anything happens. We just felt really like we were home when we came in here.”
Mrs. Thomas said the Acclaim Living staff treats residents like they were family.
“The staff that works here doesn’t treat you like residents,” she said. “They treat more like family and it’s just a good atmosphere. They support veterans very well here. It is important to us. It’s important that we have people that support the veterans, that support us and keep our freedom.”
Polly Milligan serves as Residence Director at Acclaim Living. She said it is a privilege serving veterans.
“It’s important to me,” she said. “I’ve been a director for over 15 years and I’ve always put a huge focus on veterans because that’s where I see the largest amount of people get lost in the mix. Any of the communities that I’ve run have always had a huge veteran focus, as well as outreach programs, to get them in when other communities won’t accept them because they’ve maybe struggled with some PTSD issues or something like that. Then, those are the ones that I really reach out to, because a better environment can aid in settling that PTSD.”
Steve Sibley a retired Army veteran with Sibley Insures, who educates and advocates for veteran’ health benefits, recently visited Acclaimed Living, and brought in Veteran Affairs officials via the VA’s community outreach programs for veterans which are services that help veterans access health care, benefits and resources in various settings.
“The VA has a community outreach,” Sibley said. “It’s a focus on mental health outreach for veterans, and they meet weekly at the Black Rifle Coffee, which is just about a mile north of here. They’re (Acclaim Living) actually now scheduled to go to take veterans to that event twice a month. It’s a weekly event, but twice a month they actually will bus veterans out and it’s been a really cool deal. They (Acclaim Living) actually take people down to the VA for appointments, I think that’s really cool. So, that’s just another thing that they do here.”
Milligan said Acclaim Living stays in contact with the VA to let veterans know about housing options.
“We stay in touch with the VA housing department to see if there are people that are looking for placement that are, maybe, on the waiting list for a VA center and they don’t quite qualify yet, because of need,” she said. “We try to get our information to them so that they know that there’s a place that most likely would fit within their budget with their aid and attendance funds”
Milligan said Acclaim Living offers a variety of housing.
“Handicap accessible apartments are available,” she said. “And then, we have just regular home apartments that are available. It includes all of their utilities, their cable television, activities, transportation. We’ll take them to their appointments if they need that. All of their meals, everything’s right here included for them so that it’s a one stop shop for what they need.”
Mrs. Johnson serves as an Acclaim Living Ambassador, and she and her husband help welcome new residents.
“It’s made of residents that have been here for a certain length of time that are outgoing and want to help,” she said. “Then when a new resident comes, they hook that resident up with an ambassador that has similar interests and they fill out a form for that, and then we work with that new person and take them through the whole building, making sure that they know where everything is, how everything operates. We eat with them. We take them to different functions within the building and so, until they get comfortable and know people, so that they’re not just dumped in the door. We make them part of the community.”
Milligan said Acclaim Living honors its veteran residents with a variety of activities.
“We do activities that are in honor of our veterans, we try to do that a few times a year for different pinning, or just recognition, in general, of the veterans,” she said. “We always recognize our veterans on the veteran wall in our community and those are ones that have been here before, and are here now. So, it’s a history of our veterans that are displayed on our veteran wall. And then, we try to go to places that get them in touch with other veterans or happenings that are going on in Oklahoma City, so they can be a part of what other veterans are doing.”

For more information on Acclaim Living call (405)-755-3200. or visit https://legendseniorliving.com/.

by Flora Qualls, Your Cigna Agent in Oklahoma City – Flora.qualls@cignahealthcare.com

You know how important regular check-ups are and that consulting your healthcare provider when you have a concern is smart. But what happens after the visit is just as essential to maintaining good health.
Unfortunately, some people don’t follow their provider’s advice. Maybe they don’t take their prescriptions as written or forego recommended preventive screenings and immunizations. This can be costly, both for individuals and the health care system. Case in point: More than 125,000 people die each year because of prescription medication non-adherence, according to the National Council for Patient Information and Education.
Following a doctor’s recommended care plan can be challenging, according to Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer with Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare business. There are multiple reasons why older patients can have difficulty following their provider’s instructions – including managing multiple medications at different times of day – or trouble accessing or affording care.
Thankfully, there are some processes and resources that can help you faithfully follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Get organized. More than half of adults 65 and older take four or more prescription drugs. With more medications, it can be difficult to know what to take, when to take it, and in what dosage. A low-cost pill organizer, available at drug stores and retail outlets, can help you stay organized. You may also want to automate your medication by taking it at the same time every day if directions allow that. The key is to find a system that works for you and stick with it.
Communicate with your provider or pharmacist. If your medication doesn’t seem to be working or is causing undesirable side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about adjusting your dosage or switching to an alternative. Likewise, discuss any concerns about screenings or tests with your provider.
Having a good rapport with your doctor helps. Take notes at your appointment or bring a loved one with you to help with questions. And don’t be afraid to ask if there’s anything you don’t understand.
Connect your providers. Make sure your various doctors share information. For example, if you have an unexpected hospital visit, notify your primary care provider so they can review any new medications or diagnoses from the hospital and help you fit them into your current care plan. This can also help protect you from unnecessary or duplicate procedures.
Find alternative access to care. If you have difficulty getting around or live far from where care is rendered, there are programs to help. Your provider may offer virtual visits. You may be able to have prescriptions safely delivered to your home in a 90-day supply, perhaps at a lower cost, and with reminders for refills. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be eligible for rides to your provider or pharmacy at no extra cost. Learn more about Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans at www.cigna.com/medicare.
Seek help with costs. “Extra Help” is a federal program providing prescription drug cost support to those who qualify. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers help customers afford medications. You could also ask your healthcare provider about generic medications, which typically cost less but are equally effective.
Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans pay for many preventive procedures with no extra cost to you.
“If keeping up with your health care feels overwhelming, please don’t get discouraged,” said Dr. Sobel, who oversees a team of clinicians that contact Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage customers whose prescriptions have lapsed or not been refilled. “Seek help from a doctor, a pharmacy or a loved one. They want to help you. Keep in mind that it’s easier to maintain good health than it is to recapture your health following a preventable crisis.”
The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
For information about Cigna Healthcare email me at Flora.qualls@cignahealthcare.com or call me at 405-432-6725.

Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Health companies or their affiliates and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits and others. Learn more at https://www.cigna.com/.

The Oklahoma Historical Society, in partnership with the Oklahoma Conference of Black Mayors, will host the Oklahoma All-Black Towns State Conference on Saturday, August 12, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. The conference is designed to encourage a network of state agencies to join with the mayors of some of Oklahoma’s historic All-Black towns to share resources and discuss ideas.
In the early 20th century, Oklahoma was home to more than 50 All-Black towns and communities. Segregation and Jim Crow laws led many Black people to leave the state. The Great Depression caused more families to migrate to urban areas or other states. These events devastated many small Oklahoma towns, including the All-Black towns.
From 10 a.m.-noon, mayors from more than a dozen historic All-Black towns will present their unique history, discuss future projects, and more. Starting at noon, attendees can eat lunch and listen to the keynote presentation by Earthea A. Nance, who has a doctorate in environmental engineering from Stanford University. She is an associate professor in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. Nance holds joint faculty appointments in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and the Department of Political Science. At 1 p.m., several state agencies will share resources that enable towns to collect, preserve and share their histories, including the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Registration is required. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can pre-purchase a lunch box from Florence’s Restaurant when registering for the conference. Lunch orders must be placed by Monday, August 7, at 11:59 p.m.
The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City.

The 1,000-acre resort destination is expected to attract more than 4.9 million guests per year to Oklahoma

Recently Oklahoma state and local officials joined American Heartland leadership to announceAmerican Heartland Theme Park and Resort, a more than $2 billion entertainment destination development in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Grand Lake on Route 66. The development will be built in phases starting with a large-scale RVpark with cabins scheduled to open phase one in spring 2025 and a world-class theme park and resort scheduled to open in 2026. The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will offer a unique visitor experience rivaling the world’s top resort destinations. “We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,“ American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite said. “At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination. The state’s business-friendly approach and innovative partnership efforts have helped make this possible. We look forward to bringing unforgettable generational experiences to Oklahoma. ”American Heartland will be a 1,000-acre development with a 125-acre theme park,which is comparable to the size of Magic Kingdom Theme Park and Disneyland Park. The park will feature an Americana-themed environment with a variety of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways as well as restaurant-quality food andbeverage offerings. “Oklahoma is excited to welcome American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” Oklahoma State Rep. Rusty Cornwell said. “Located on historic Route 66 just west of Grand Lake, the development will attract visitors from around the world to experience and celebrate the rich cultures and hometown values America has to offer. ”The adjacent 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, designed by Oklahoma architects ADG Blatt, will be the largest campground in the central U.S. with 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins plus amenities. “There’s no better place to represent the heart of America than northeast Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom. “This $2 billion investment in our state will create more than 4,000 jobs and introduce a new category of entertainment to the region, and its long-term economicimpact will be transformative. Tourism is already one of Oklahoma’s top industries and this project will elevate our state even further. Since tourism is a doorway to economic development, American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will draw new businesses not only to the surrounding area but also throughout the region and state.”The developer is American Heartland whose leadership has deep Oklahoma roots. American Heartland is an affiliate of Mansion Entertainment Group, LLC, Branson’s leading performing arts, animation and studio brand.Led by Executive Producer Steve Hedrick, the design team is made up of the world’s best theme park designers including 20+ former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers. Design firms include THG, FORREC and Cuningham, whose portfolios feature the world’s foremost theme park brands including Six Flags, Disney Parks and Universal Studios.
“We are pleased that American Heartland Theme Park and Resort has taken the first step and chosen Oklahoma to build a world-class entertainment destination,” said Hopper Smith, interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “We look forward to assisting with this project as it develops.” American Heartland Theme Park and Resort is a family-friendly park promising timeless fun and boundless adventure. The 125-acre theme park will feature a collection of six distinctly American lands to welcome guests on a journey through the best of the American story. Families will find thrilling rides and heartwarming shows as they discover Great Plains, Bayou Bay, BigTimber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis.
“American Heartland will be a place families can come together to create lasting memories, experience joy, laughter, imagination and wonder,” American Heartland Founder and Chief Creative Officer Gene Bicknell said. “There is so much to celebrate about our country: its landscapes, its cultures and most importantly, its people. No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home at American Heartland.”
The development will also include atop-tier 300-room hotel and modern indoor water park.
“American Heartland will be an anchor tourist destination on Route 66 set to attract more than two million out-of-state visitors to Oklahoma each year,” Kristy Adams, senior executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mansion Entertainment Group, American Heartland and Three Ponies, said. “The scale and quality of the development will be unlike anything else in the region, making Vinita, Oklahoma a can’t-miss destination for families around the world.”

For more information, visit https://www.americanheartlandthemepark.com/

By Marilyn Olson, Executive Director, VillagesOKC

The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of connection in our country. Dr. Vivek Murthy officially gave the label of “epidemic” to loneliness.
“Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an under-appreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health,” Murthy said. “Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled and more productive lives.”
A Surgeon General’s Advisory is a public statement that calls the American people’s attention to an urgent public health issue and provides recommendations for how it should be addressed. Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action.
We know that loneliness and isolation are especially acute among older adults. VillagesOKC exists to help fill the gap for seniors in the Oklahoma City metro. Regular social connection is as essential as food and water for survival. Lacking social connection has serious health consequences including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, anxiety and premature death.
In 2021, 49% of Americans reported having three or fewer close friends compared to 27% in 1990. This lack of social connection may be deadly – as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according the Surgeon General’s advisory. The rate of loneliness and isolation is increasing every year and was exacerbated by the pandemic and screen time – television, computer, smart phone.
VillagesOKC is committed to turning the tide by providing a robust calendar of events which offer members opportunities for learning, planning and helping others. Every event is an opportunity for human interaction. It might be a daylong event like the Day of Positive Aging held at Rose State College in May and Southern Nazarene University in June. It might be a cookout at a members house, a lunch gathering at a local restaurant or a tour of a local landmark.
For the past four years, VillagesOKC has provided trusted connections for mature adults through organized friendships. Often people become members after attending a coffee or free educational presentation. Some become members when an adult child purchases a VillagesOKC membership for Mothers Day, Fathers Day or a birthday. Others become members when the pastor or someone in the faith community urges joining. But most often membership happens when a friend reaches out because he simply wants to share the joy of aging with vitality and positivity.
The satisfaction of meeting trusted professionals also give this organization a small town feeling of connection. The television show Cheers had it right; it’s good to go where everyone knows your name.
A 501(c) tax-exempt organization, VillagesOKC is part of a “national village movement.” These villages are intentionally bringing like-minded people together to embrace aging and practice positivity. VillagesOKC membership includes a modest annual membership fee and background check. For more information, go to:
https://www.villagesokc.org/ or call (405) 990-6637.

Story and photos by Darl DeVault,
contributing editor

Lyndale Edmond Senior Living Sales and Marketing Director Amber Compton welcomed 58 Senior Business Solution (SBS) colleagues to their networking luncheon on July 20 at Lyndale Edmond. Emphasizing how shifting demographics and reshaping complexes built for older Americans address a variety of rates and services, she explained they have recently added another nurse to the one already available in their assisted living option.
She explained that Lyndale features nine cottages on their remodeled senior living property as well as 115 independent living and 48 assisted living apartments for a total now of 173 units.
Lyndale is setting up a caregiver support group where attendees meet for lunch monthly beginning in the Fall. Topics will vary monthly and cover various issues and challenges caregivers face. Guest speakers will provide insight and resources available in the area. The support group will be held in the Lyndale Clubhouse on the second Thursday of each month at noon beginning in September. Seating is limited, so RSVP is required at 405-340-5311.
The hosts shared their premium meeting space, their clubhouse adjacent to their pool, for the monthly gathering of senior healthcare marketers and senior-focused company workers.
Regional Director of Sales & Marketing Cameron Gruenberg was on hand to observe from his office in Tulsa.
“Lyndale Edmond is a beautiful senior living community offering independent and assisted living with a resident-first philosophy, caring associates, great lifestyle programs and delicious meals,” Compton said after the luncheon. “By hosting this event, we showcase to attendees what life is like at Lyndale Edmond.”
The networking group was treated to one of the host’s amenities when Lyndale Culinary Director Bryan Newton offered a well-received lunch of chicken piccata, parmesan mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.
The luncheon continued with each invitee giving a few minutes of background on their employer and how they saw their role in helping seniors with their needs in the community. A few people outlined special events their venues were planning in the near future, inviting others to attend.
Vicki Escajeda solicited more raffle prizes and interaction to support the booths available at the upcoming Senior Day on September 20 at the Oklahoma State Fair. She also talked about how independent living, assisted living, and long-term care communities could submit a one-minute video by August 20 of their residents “In Motion.” The entries will be judged, and the top 10 will be shown at the Fair, where the public will select the winner.
Joe Forrest with Re/Max FIRST gave his customary real estate market update explaining that home prices are up five percent in the market for those seniors seeking to sell their homes to move to senior centers. Forrest has worked in home healthcare services, independent and assisted living, rehabilitation, and as a Realtor for the past 20 years.
The guests were reminded of the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association Annual Trade Show as the association celebrates its 26th anniversary on August 22-24 at the Embassy Suites in Oklahoma City.
The meeting was a more personalized version of a monthly networking newsletter with information, announcements, and networking within the retirement industry.
Erin Stevens outlined that “The Edmond Way” is offering local hometown journalism to Edmond as it publishes online as a free weekly newsletter now and seeks to start printing editions in the Fall. Readers can find the publication at The Edmond Way.
Several speakers highlighted how to get involved in Oklahoma’s many Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, with the main ones being September 16 in Tulsa and October 28 in OKC.
Some providers reported real-time availability for their care and housing options, home care, and hospice providers.
Later, Compton explained that the spacious, fully-featured clubhouse the meeting was in is available to clients for special events and for rent to outside groups. She offered the facility or to co-host any of the three upcoming SBS events in August, October and December that have yet to be planned.
The guests were also reminded that Lyndale hosts a monthly “Happy Hour” late afternoon for further networking. The event features the use of the pool, weather permitting, with food, drinks, and networking.
Conversations before and after the more formal portion allowed attendees to stay connected with their senior industry peers while building possible referral networks.
Sagora Senior Living operates the Lyndale property. Oklahoma is home to five more of their communities: Aberdeen Heights, Aberdeen Memory Care of Tulsa, Bellarose, Elison Independent Living of Statesman Club, and The Veraden. Sagora is one of America’s top 50 privately-owned senior housing operators with communities throughout Texas, Alabama, Florida, California, Illinois, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, West Virginia, Mississippi and Nebraska.

For more information about Lyndale Edmond Senior Living https://www.lyndaleedmond.com/.

AAA reminds drivers to stay cool behind the wheel; avoid engaging with aggressive drivers

Whether it’s gesturing, shouting, threatening-or worse-anger behind the wheel is becoming far too common on America’s roadways. Aggressive behaviors, ranging from speeding to acts of violence, pose a threat not only to other drivers but to passengers and pedestrians as well.
“Road rage is the term we use to describe extreme anger and aggression behind the wheel,” says Rylie Mansuetti, public affairs manager, AAA Oklahoma. “Not only are these displays of hostility unsafe for those on and near the roadway, but a growing number of these incidents are turning deadly.”
Aggressive driving versus road rage
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the term “aggressive driving” first began to emerge in the 1990s to describe a category of unsafe driving behaviors, such as weaving through traffic, running traffic lights, tailgating and driving at excessive speeds.
Road rage occurs when aggressive driving behaviors become extreme or violent. Examples range from angry gesturing and cursing to confronting, sideswiping and brandishing of weapons and other violent actions or threats.
While aggressive driving behaviors are traffic violations, road rage behaviors other than gesturing and shouting are criminal offenses.
Earlier this year, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund released its latest analysis of road rage shootings in the U.S., finding that such incidents have continued to increase every year since 2018.
In 2022, 554 people were shot during road rage incidents nationwide, resulting in 413 injuries and 141 deaths-twice the numbers from 2018. The incidence of road rage shootings last year equates to one person being wounded or killed in a road rage incident every 16 hours.
The same data revealed there were 3.8 people shot per 1 million residents during road rage incidents last year in Oklahoma, putting it third among five states with the highest rate of people shot in road range incidents. These states-New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin-make up 8% of the U.S. population, but 20% of road rage shooting victims. In 2023 to date, one victim has been killed and another three injured during road rage shootings.
Reasons for road rage
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), some people are more prone to road rage than others. These high-anger drivers are more impulsive, engage in hostile thinking and are more likely to seek revenge over a purported wrong. While these drivers may behave appropriately on a quiet country road, the APA points to research indicating traffic congestion and other environmental factors can more easily set off road rage behaviors.
Data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once within the previous 30 days. In a related study, the Foundation found potentially aggressive actions-such as tailgating, erratic lane changing or illegal passing-are a factor in up to 56% of fatal crashes.
While there are undoubtedly numerous reasons behind the growing problem of over-aggression behind the wheel, research from AAA and NHTSA point to a number of likely contributing factors:
Traffic congestion. No matter the cause, on-the-road delays and rising traffic congestion are frustrating for all. But some motorists have extremely low tolerance for delays, leading to tailgating, erratic lane changes and other aggressive behaviors.
Running late. A seemingly endless stream of errands and obligations weigh more heavily on some drivers than others, contributing to a pattern of aggression behind the wheel.
Anonymity. Some drivers feel insulated and detached from the outside world when in their vehicle, giving them a feeling of anonymity. For some, this causes an erosion of inhibitions to antisocial behavior, while the vehicle itself gives them a sense of power.
Changes in acceptable behavior. Just as other “norms” have changed over time-music, fashion, politics-human behaviors behind the wheel continue to evolve. It can become more acceptable to have less regard for law enforcement and fellow citizens as drivers “look out for number one.”
“Drivers should consider whether any of these scenarios apply to their own actions behind the wheel and take measures to resolve them. Learning techniques for stress-relief, better time management and anger control could help keep you and others safe,” Mansuetti says. “Think twice before making a rude gesture or laying on the horn and you’ll dodge a potential road rage incident.”
Avoiding road rage
While it isn’t possible to control another driver’s behavior, there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of road rage. AAA has these tips for avoiding aggression on the roadways:
Practice polite driving habits. Follow the rules of the road and be courteous to others. If you inadvertently make an error that affects another driver, give a wave and smile. That simple act will often defuse a potential aggressor.
Slow down and let the aggressor pass. When you pull to the side or change lanes and let an aggressive driver pass, they will typically be glad they’re on their way and not try to engage further.
Keep your cool. Remember, you’re not the police. Even if a driver is doing a poor job, it is not your job to correct them. Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt and don’t take their errors as a personal attack. If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not make eye contact, display anger or engage in any way.
Lay off the horn. Save the horn for an emergency situation or tap it lightly if you need to alert a driver to a changed traffic signal. Do not use it to “call out” the driving behaviors of others.
Don’t drive under distress. Avoid driving if you’re angry, upset or fatigued. Never drive impaired.
Be realistic about your travel time. Consider the amount of traffic you’ll likely encounter and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination without speeding or driving aggressively.
Call 911 if you’re threatened. Aggressive drivers can be reported to local police, but if an aggressive driver threatens or attacks you, call 911 immediately. Do not make eye contact or engage in any way. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station, convenience store or other public location with witnesses. Never drive home with an aggressor following you.
“Remember, driving isn’t a competition, so there’s no need to ‘one up’ another driver. Your only win should be staying safe,” says Mansuetti. “Keep your focus on your own driving and avoid actions that could make you a target of aggression from others.”
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 63 million members nationwide and more than 400,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit https://cluballiance.aaa.com/.