Sharing the Asphalt: Preventing and Handling a Road Rage Incident
An accident can happen anywhere at anytime to anyone. However, there are things drivers can do to lessen the likelihood of being involved in an accident. For example, it makes sense to stay off the roads during heavy snow and rainstorms, when streets are slippery and visibility low. Likewise, it makes sense to stay in control of your emotions when you’re behind the wheel. Do all you can to stay in control and prevent the event of a road rage related incident.
Move Over
Sure, it seems aggressive for others to ‘ride your tail,’ but rather than get upset or stay in their way, move over. Don’t assume they are ‘messing with you’ and don’t take it personal. Let them by and assume they are rushing to the hospital or need to get home in a hurry. It’s better to stay in control of your emotions, let them pass, and resume going about your day. The alternative is taking the event too seriously and potentially getting into an accident or an altercation. Do your best to avoid personal injury related to a car accident.
Take the High Road
Some people are naturally arrogant while others undergo a bad day now and again. Take the high road, be the bigger person, and make an apologetic gesture if you happen to get into a situation with another driver. Road rage occurs when people feel it’s safe to get angry. The irony is that getting angry and inspiring another driver to get upset is not safe at all. Escalating the situation causes accidents, so seek ways to diffuse a potentially explosive interaction.
Avoid Stress
Stress created by a lack of time or traffic increases the likelihood of road rage. You can’t control traffic but you can control when you’re on the road or how much time you have to get to your destination. Rushing creates the potential for road rage. Make it a habit to leave early for work, dates, meetings, etc. Plan ahead so you have a better chance of controlling the situation and your temperament behind the wheel.
Be Empathetic
It’s not easy to walk in another’s shoes or place yourself in the driver’s seat of their car. Be empathetic and take a second to reflect on how your own maneuvers may appear to them or impact their mood. For example, it may be unintentional, but if you cut off another driver, they may get peeved at you. You didn’t mean for them to take it personal, so rather than react to their reaction, take a step back and be empathetic. Take a second to refocus and be thankful that your momentary lapse of attention did not result in an accident.
Stay Happy
Music affects mood. Consider the type of music you listen to on the road. Rather than intense music you may reserve for the gym or a run, listen to something mellow and laid back. Mellow music, like reggae or easy listening, can lighten your mood and make it less likely that the maneuvers of others will negatively affect you.
Corey Dickinson works in the road traffic police department handling various paperwork for cases. He enjoys writing on the subject, whether that be how to avoid parking tickets to how to deal with road rage incidents.
Source: https://www.danielrrosen.com/
