Road rage. We’ve all been there — from getting upset behind the wheel when someone suddenly cuts you off to getting tailgated on the motorway as you try to figure out which exit you should get off. Road rage can have serious consequences and that feeling of anger caused by another’s person’s below-average driving can turn even the nicest person into an out-of-control monster behind the wheel.
Here we look at those things to avoid doing while driving that can cause road rage, strategies to manage your own emotions, and tips on how to handle encounters with other drivers who are acting on their road rage in an aggressive way.
How to avoid causing road rage?
Road rage incidents can be triggered by various factors, and it's important to understand the underlying causes in order to avoid triggering it in other drivers. Here are some common causes of road rage:
Honking the horn: Excessive and unnecessary honking of the horn can provoke frustration and intense anger in other drivers. Limit the use of the horn to one or two times, only if absolutely necessary.
Rude gestures or yelling: Making rude gestures or using offensive language towards other drivers can escalate tensions and trigger retaliation. Imagine your Mum is sitting next to you. It may help you control your outbursts.
Flashing lights: Flashing headlights aggressively or using high beam unnecessarily can annoy other drivers. It may also startle them and potentially cause an accident, which may also involve you.
Tailgating: Driving too closely behind another vehicle, also known as tailgating, can provoke frustration,, so give the car in front some space. Consider this maybe their first time driving on this particular road and they don’t know where they are going.
Speeding or driving slowly: Driving too fast or too slow upsets the rhythm of the traffic flow causing other drivers to brake suddenly or take risks by overtaking. To avoid upsetting yourself or others, stick to the speed limit and try to maintain a calm and easy pace.
Distracted driving: Engaging in distracted driving behaviours such as talking on the phone, texting, or playing loud music is illegal and can impair your judgement and control of your car. Avoid the distractions and keep your eyes and ears on the road ahead.
How to deal with your own road rage
Road rage can have serious consequences, both emotionally and legally. It's essential to manage your own emotions while driving and make safe choices to avoid escalating situations that can lead to road rage incidents. Here are some tips to help create a safer driving environment for everyone on the road:
1. Stay calm — When you feel yourself getting angry or frustrated while driving, take a deep breath or a few deep breaths. Consciously try to stay calm and avoid reacting impulsively or aggressively, as it can exacerbate the situation.
2. Don't take it personally — Remember that everyone makes mistakes on the road, including yourself. Avoid assigning blame or taking things personally if another driver makes a mistake or causes an accident. Instead, focus on finding a solution and moving forward.
3. Avoid engaging with aggressive drivers — Resist the urge to engage in aggressive behaviours such as tailgating, honking excessively, making rude gestures, or using offensive language. These actions can escalate tensions and more often than not lead to extreme road rage incidents.
4. Let insurance handle it — If you are involved in an accident, even if it's not your fault, avoid confronting the other driver. Instead, exchange insurance information and let your insurance company handle the situation. Engaging in arguments or confrontations can escalate the situation and make things worse.
5. Practise empathy — Give yourself an extra five minutes by leaving a little earlier. Avoid the rush and the stressed feeling that you are going to be late. You are less likely to get upset when something happens if you have a bit of time up your sleeve.
Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter whether you miss the traffic light or get home later than you anticipated. The main thing is you are safe as there are bigger and better things you should be thinking about.
How to handle upset drivers
Encountering another driver who is showing signs of road rage can be very unsettling and potentially dangerous. Here are some tips on how to handle a confronting road rage incident:
Avoid engaging and keep your cool
If someone cuts you off, don’t attempt to do the same to them. If a driver honks at you, don’t start honking back. Reacting is the recipe for escalation and there is never going to be a winner. Stay calm and avoid engaging in any confrontational behaviour.
Apologise in the first instance
If you know you are in the wrong, acknowledging it with a wave of apology and saying “I’m sorry’ can de-escalate the situation.
Even if you strongly feel you are the one in the right, think about whether you need to make that clear. Just accept what has happened and move on.
Do not park or exit your vehicle
If someone cuts you off, don’t attempt to do the same to them. If a driver honks at you, don’t start honking back. Reacting is the recipe for escalation and there is never going to be a winner. Stay calm and avoid engaging in any confrontational behaviour.
Keep your distance
If you know you are in the wrong, acknowledging it with a wave of apology and saying “I’m sorry’ can de-escalate the situation.
Even if you strongly feel you are the one in the right, think about whether you need to make that clear. Just accept what has happened and move on.
Report dangerous behaviour
If the other driver's behaviour is continuous and poses a threat to your safety, consider using the emergency line (111) to report the unsafe driver. Use your phone to safely make the call and report any dangerous behaviour.
Try to note details of the car – registration number, colour, make, description of driver and direction the vehicle was last seen travelling in if it stops following you. You can also have your passenger use their smartphone to make a voice recording or video of what’s going on.
Avoiding the potential causes of road rage, managing your own emotions while driving, and knowing how to handle someone else's road rage are important skills for every driver. By staying calm, avoiding confrontation, and prioritising safety, you can effectively deal with road rage incidents and protect yourself on the road, creating a safer driving environment for everyone.
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