Things You'll Need:
- A car :)
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Step 1
Leave on time! Whether we're prone to road rage or not being late can add anxiety and stress to our travel. When we're late, the same red light we hit on our early days seems a few minutes longer. The cars in front of us now seem like they're purposefuly trying to block and slow our commute. When we're late, our passenger now seems to be TOO TALKATIVE. So plan ahead of time to leave early and avoid MUCH stress.
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Step 2
Think for others. You've heard this alot when it comes to defensive driving, but it's true. Many people out there can't drive or aren't good drivers. Though we pride ourselves on our driving, by being proactive and thinking about how others drive puts us ahead of the game. For example, when you're on the highway be READY for those people who may merge incorrectly. When stopping at a light be READY for those who may linger at the green. People will do that (especially with the cell phone drivers). Be READY for the fact that the time you've always been leaving has ALWAYS meant TRAFFIC. By being READY for them it wouldn't affect us as much when it happens and instead of raging we're at peace with the fact that we knew it was going to happen.
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Step 3
Be realistic. Would your yelling and screaming have any affect on the person in front of you who CAN'T HEAR YOU? Would cursing and fuming over a person's actions really help them? What about an angry look or a threating fist as we drive by? Would that really help the person. It may remind them to be more alert but it messes up YOUR DAY. Now you have to temper that aggression and find a way to calm down before OTHER things come up to ADD to your ANGER. So, instead of RETALIATING think of it as an opportunity to keep your peace. DON'T LET ANYONE CONTROL YOU BY TAKING YOUR PEACE AWAY. They're not WORTH IT.
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Step 4
Think about the negative affects that come with raging. We see how it can mess up your day by giving you stress which many times sticks around and gets worse when something else happens. But having that rage affects YOUR driving. You're not as alert and many times it causes one to retaliate in kind which is a danger for everyone. Also, if you have friends or family in the car it affects how they view you. Don't be content with, "that's how I am". Change. You'll feel a lot better in your dealings with your car passengers knowing they see you as in control. And you don't want to set a bad example to your kids. Even in their little booster seats they're watching and learning.
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Step 5
Use these tips in all your aspects of life. Don't think of this only as a means to stop ROAD RAGE, but put it into practice in dealing with people in general, in dealing with the kids, in dealing with co-workers. Many people that have road rage have store rage and vacation rage (one guy I knew died of a heart attack after getting enraged when his hotel room wasn't ready!).
So, take steps BEFORE HAND to keep your peace. Don't let anyone best you by triggering you to act. Look at every opportunity you avoid rage as a success, as a victory. You kept your precious peace. Now treat yourself to a latte'
Peace to you.
Comments
bmi57 said
on 10/26/2008 Great article, and road rage can kill. I have an article on road rage too, check it out when you have time. Thanks.
StarrySkye said
on 10/23/2008 Great article. There are so many people that shouldn't even be allowed to drive!
luv2blog said
on 10/17/2008 Great info. Thanks!
kiratrever said
on 10/16/2008 I like the advice to "change"...so often we expect change from others instead.
LettyMaldonado said
on 10/16/2008 So true. I definitely "think for others" when I drive. I can spot the bad drivers a mile away and I always slow down and give them the space they're looking for to merge in and out of lanes. I refuse to get into an accident because they're in a rush or don't know how to use their turn signals!