First of all, I’d like to say welcome back. We’ve had come issues with our site the past couple weeks but we are all restored and ready to keep rolling! Yes, since we are talking about driving this month, that pun was totally intended.
Now on to the more serious topic of the week, road rage. We’ve all seen it…maybe even been the target of it. The driver that pulls up next to a vehicle to make the point that he is visibly upset whether by yelling and pumping his fist or maybe by showing a driver with a single finger that he thinks they’re #1. (Oh, that’s not what that gesture means?) Whatever the means of ‘voicing’ their frustration, the fact of the matter is…drivers are getting angrier.
The next logical question is, why? There are a variety of possible answers, any of which might impact a driver on any given day:
- We’re a rushed society. When we’re in a hurry, we’re less patient.
- We have higher stress levels. High stress often translates to lower tolerance.
- There are more mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, and even drug or alcohol use can contribute to road rage.
- Over the years we have put an emphasis on a sense of ‘self.’ This could potentially be one reason why we tend to take the actions of others so personally, making it seem as though a simple mistake is a personal attack, increasing the severity of our reaction.
- Give yourself enough time.
- Be understanding. We all make mistakes.
- Avoid engaging with angry drivers. This will only make it worse.
- Avoid driving while already angry.
- Utilize relaxation methods in the car. Listen to something relaxing.
- Deep breathing.
Are there times when even the most patient person wants to rage against someone who swerves into their lane? Sure. But most of us don’t because we know that that’s not going to solve anything. In fact, it will more than likely create a more dangerous scenario, impacting both ourselves and the others around us. So the next time you see someone doing something that starts to boil your blood, take a deep breath, calm yourself, and drive on by like you’re the distinguished king (or queen) of the road.
