We've all had "one of those days" - when nothing seems to go right, when life just seems to be dealing you one poor hand after another. While these days can seem to bring out the worst in yourself and everyone around you, try to remember that tomorrow is a new day. If that doesn't work, try these ten simple steps to avoiding road rage. The last thing your bad day needs is for you to get into a shouting match with your steering wheel because someone cut you off.
1. Get your Zs.
A national epidemic of sleepiness is a contributing factor to
road rage, according to the National Sleep Foundation. We all know how
cranky we get without enough sleep. It makes us prone to feelings of
annoyance, resentment and even anger. Eight hours is still the
recommended daily dose of sleep for adults.
2. Plan ahead.
Do you regularly whiz through your morning routine in a whirlwind
of chaos, trying to make up time while on the road? Do you allow
just enough
time to drive to an appointment? Then you're probably also more prone
to a lead foot and a lost temper. If you add 10 minutes to your expected
travel time, you'll have time to stop for gas, safely navigate those
snowy roads or detour around road construction. Also, try preparing
clothing, briefcases, children's school bags and lunches the night
before to minimize your morning rush. Extra time equals calmer driving.
3. Your car is not a therapist.
Many of us love and identify with our cars,
but sometimes you can take the "car as extension of self" idea too
seriously. If your boss or your spouse left you steaming, take care not
to use driving as a way to blow off steam. Competitive types (you know
who you are) shouldn't try to prove themselves on heavily traveled
thoroughfares — save that enthusiasm for weekend romps on your favorite
back roads. No matter how much power you've got under the hood, your
vehicle is first and foremost a mode of transportation, not a weapon.
4. Turn down the bass.
Without getting into the argument over "aggressive music makes
people aggressive," it makes sense that listening to relaxing music — or
even a comedy channel on satellite radio — will make you less pumped up
for action than a driving bass line. Try tuning in to classical or jazz
to reduce stress. Or listen to an audiobook. (Here are our Top 10 Audiobooks to get you started.) Either way will also help drown out stressful traffic noise.
5. Loosen up, then breathe.
If you notice yourself clenching the steering wheel in a death
grip, try flexing your fingers and loosening your hold — you'll find
that you can control the car just as well. If your right foot is
cramped, set the cruise control if traffic allows. If you're on a
prolonged road trip, try not to exceed three hours of travel time
without a break where you get out and stretch. Struggling to see through
a dirty windshield is also an unnecessary stress factor, so fill up
with washer fluid before you go. Periodically roll down the window and
breathe deeply and slowly.
6. It's not about you.
Perhaps another driver cut you off. Or the car in front of you is
braking erratically. Before you assume the driver is getting off on
your rising anger levels, realize that you, as an individual, are not
the target. Perhaps the driver simply made a mistake or was just being
oblivious. Maybe there's a screaming baby, a loose pet or a crazed bee
in the car. Maybe he was on a cell phone. The point is, don't take
things so personally.
7. Hostility is toxic. And risky.
People most prone to anger are almost three times more likely to
have a heart attack than those with low anger, according to the American
Psychological Association. Other health risks seen in those who display
hostility include obesity, depression and stroke. Wow, who knew? Safe
driving promotes healthy hearts!
Not only will giving into anger not resolve an irritating
situation, it can increase the risk of retaliation. Think to yourself,
"Is making my point worth endangering my life?" If all else fails, do a
mental 180 and try to laugh it off.
8. Use restaurant etiquette.
While it's upsetting when a stranger is rude or cuts in line in a
restaurant or store, most folks wouldn't lose their cool and become
abusive as a result. It isn't only because they have good manners.
Driving a car makes people feel more isolated and protected, allowing
them to act in ways they would normally find embarrassing. So when
another driver acts like a jerk, respond as though you're in a
restaurant. And we don't mean Chuck E. Cheese's.
9. Take the self-test.
Classes designed to help curb aggressive driving often have
participants tape-record themselves while driving. Hearing themselves
swear or rant on tape is enough of a wake-up call for them to recognize
and reduce dangerous behavior. So try analyzing your driving. Do any of
the following statements sound like you?
- I regularly exceed the speed limit in order to get to work on time.
- I tailgate other drivers, especially those who sit in the left lane.
- I flash my lights and honk my horn to let drivers know when they annoy me.
- I verbally abuse other drivers whether they can hear me or not.
- I frequently weave in and out of traffic to get ahead.
- I feel the need to set bad drivers straight.
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your driving may
qualify as aggressive. The American Institute for Public Safety (AIPS)
has a more detailed RoadRageous Test that determines if your driving habits fall under the "aggressive zone," "hostile zone" or — worse yet — "war zone."
10. Practice kindness.
Dr. Leon James, a.k.a. "Dr. Driving" and author of
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving,
says that remembering simple courtesies, like allowing someone to merge
or apologizing when we make a mistake, can go a long way in making the
driving experience positive for ourselves and others. His basic motto is
the old "do unto others" rule: Treat fellow drivers how you would like
to be treated. As additional incentive, reducing your aggressiveness
on the road can also keep you out of serious trouble: Several states
have created special law enforcement teams to seek out and cite
aggressive drivers. Depending on the frequency of offenses, violators
may be fined, lose their license temporarily or even face jail time.
Often, they are required to take a behavior-modification class as well.
We're all bound to lose our cool at some point, but by planning
ahead and keeping things in perspective, we can prevent our emotions
from getting the best of us. Putting aggressive driving in park will
help to ensure your own safety, as well as the safety of everyone around
you.
