Anyone who has driven a motor vehicle for any length of time has most likely experienced road rage, either within themselves or a fellow driver. This can lead to serious consequences if it gets out of hand. How do we avoid this potentially dangerous activity? Here are some practical tips for not letting road rage get the best of you.
Remain Calm
The most common thing that happens on the road is that when one person is “hot”, it draws in others to fight back. Don’t do it. Just remain calm. Arriving at your destination safely should be your desired outcome, so do whatever it takes to achieve that goal. Road rage is aggressive driving, and statistics show that 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving.
Give them Room
Most of the time a frustrated driver is in a hurry. Just make room for them to move on past you. You’re not in a race. Continue practicing safe driving habits, like keeping a safe following distance, using a turn signal, driving the speed limit, etc. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wondered if some drivers get their licenses from vending machines. That’s a little tongue-in-cheek humor, but you get my point. Also remember, though, to give grace because sometimes you have to give it and other times you may need it. Always be patient and kind.
Keep Both Hands on the Wheel
Remember the rules of the road and the laws of driving. Those rules and laws are for your safety and everyone else on the road. The 10 and 2 method of where to place your hands has now evolved to 9 and 3. Either way, if both hands stay on the wheel at all times, except when shifting in a manual, or backing up, you’ll remain in control of your vehicle no matter what is going on around you.
Do Not Engage
You put yourself, your passengers, and others in danger when you become elevated. Don’t let them draw you in. Determine ahead of time that any road rage is not worth the fight. Steer clear of the altercation, pun intended. Additionally, don’t make eye contact with the aggressor. That will only make it harder for you to avoid the conflict caused by road rage.
Be the Bigger Person
Set a good example, yield, and don’t retaliate. Keep your composure especially if you have your kids in the car with you. They will be drivers on the road one day. You will already worry about them when they start driving on their own. Do you really want them copying your behavior on the road if you have a road rage tendency?
Breathe
Just breathe. Breathing is a common thing to do in many situations, especially stressful ones such as road rage. Take deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth. Count to ten, forward, then backward. Repeat until calm. You can also try the Box Breathing technique:
Focus on the Road, Not the Enraged Drive
If you concentrate on your own driving instead of the meltdown the other driver is having, it will help you tremendously. Listen to calming music or an audiobook. And for heaven’s sake, put that phone down!
You will engage daily with a variety of people who have different temperaments. This is unavoidable, and it can be stressful at times. Keeping these tips in mind when you’re on the road will lead to a more peaceful driving experience.
