By Allison Irwin
s we reach the heart of the summer season, it's important to acknowledge an issue that, like the temperature, tends to spike during July and August - road rage. These summer months, when patience seems to evaporate in the heat, have been statistically shown to have a significant increase in incidents of aggressive driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all accidents can be attributed to behaviors typically associated with road rage, such as aggressive tailgating, sudden lane changes, or yelling at other drivers.
So, what fuels road rage? Picture this: you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, late for an important meeting, and everyone is driving like they’ve lost their minds. Frustration and stress take hold, and before you know it, you’re honking, cursing, and making gestures that would make your grandma blush.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 78 percent of drivers have admitted to losing their cool on the road at least once in the past year. That’s a lot of anger simmering beneath the surface.
Strategies to Avoid Road Rage
Road rage is a real beast, but there are some practical strategies to tame it and keep your blood pressure in check:
Plan ahead and cut yourself some slack. The key to avoiding road rage is giving yourself enough time. Plan ahead and factor in extra minutes to account for unexpected delays. A little wiggle room can make all the difference between a serene drive and a full-blown meltdown.
Be the Zen master. Remember, everyone on the road is dealing with their own set of challenges. Instead of assuming they’re out to ruin your day, practice empathy and understanding. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that mistakes happen, and respond with patience and kindness.
Stay cool, literally. Before hitting the road, take a moment to create a soothing environment inside your vehicle. Stream some calming tunes and engage in deep breathing. A cool, calm mindset sets the stage for a stress-free drive.
Leave aggression at the door. Resist the urge to become a road warrior. No tailgating, no cutting off other drivers, and definitely no flipping the bird. Embrace defensive driving techniques, like maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead and using those turn signals properly. Remember, a little courtesy goes a long way.
Reacting to Road Rage Incidents
Even with all your Zen-driving skills, you might find yourself in the crosshairs of an enraged driver. Stay calm and follow these steps to ensure your safety:
Keep calm and defuse. Don’t take the bait. Stay composed and avoid getting drawn into a verbal or physical confrontation. Ignoring eye contact and refraining from provocative gestures will prevent the situation from escalating further.
Create some breathing space. If it’s safe to do so, change lanes or pull over to let the aggressive driver pass. Putting some distance between you and the hot-headed individual reduces the risk of further confrontation and keeps you out of harm’s way.
Call for backup. If you feel threatened or the situation becomes dangerous, call 911. Provide them with a detailed description of the incident, including the culprit’s license plate number.
Road rage is an unfortunate reality, but armed with the right strategies, we can turn the tables and reclaim our calm on the road.