We’ve all been there before. You’re driving along, minding your own business, when some idiot cuts you off and nearly causes an accident. Suddenly, you feel your blood boiling and your heart racing as you shake your fist and scream obscenities at the top of your lungs. This is road rage, and it’s a very real problem. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 66 percent of fatal crashes involve aggressive driving, and road rage is a factor in nearly one in four car accidents. Here’s a look at what causes road rage and how you can avoid it.
What Causes Road Rage?
There are lots of different things that can trigger road rage, but some of the most common include:
– feeling rushed or stressed out
– being cut off in traffic or otherwise feeling like someone has done something to violate your personal space
– feeling like other drivers are not following the rules of the road
– witnessing or being the victim of a hit-and-run
– experiencing a near miss
Road rage can be caused by any number of things, but one of the most common triggers is simply feeling rushed or stressed out. When we’re in a hurry, we’re more likely to get impatient and lash out at others. Other triggers include being cut off in traffic or feeling like someone has invaded our personal space on the road. We may also lash out if we see someone breaking the rules of the road, like running a stop sign or speeding. And finally, witnessing or being the victim of a hit-and-run can also lead to road rage.
How to Avoid Aggressive Driving
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to avoid succumbing to road rage:
– Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to help keep yourself calm behind the wheel
– Allow yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go so that you don’t feel rushed
– If someone cuts you off or does something else that angers you, don’t take it personally—chances are they’re not even aware they did anything wrong
– Don’t let yourself get caught up in a cycle of angry honking and gesturing—this will only escalate the situation
It’s not always possible to avoid getting angry while driving, but there are some things you can do to keep yourself calm behind the wheel. Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation beforehand so that you’re less likely to lose your temper when something happens on the road. You should also allow yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go so that you’re not rushing and more likely to make mistakes yourself. If someone does something that angers you on the road, try not to take it personally—chances are they’re not even aware they did anything wrong. And finally, if you find yourself getting caught up in a cycle of angry honking and gesturing with another driver, just back off and let it go. This will only escalate the situation and could lead to dangerous consequences.
Aggression while driving is a serious problem that can lead to dangerous consequences—so it’s important to know how to avoid it. By practicing deep breathing exercises or meditation beforehand, allowing yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go, not taking things personally if someone angers you on the road, and avoiding a cycle of angry honking and gesturing with another driver, you can help keep yourself safe from road rage.
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