The Automobile Club of Southern California offers valuable advice on curbing the rage.
https://news.aaa-calif.com/news/survey-shows-nearly-80-of-drivers-express-significant-anger
Some tips I offer in dealing with road rage:
- When someone cuts you off – let it go, don’t take it personally.
- You cannot educate others on how to drive…it’s not worth the possible dangers if you get angry and honk, yell curse words, or use a variety of obscene hand gestures.
- Remember – you endanger yourself and your passengers when you try to get even with other drivers.
- Also, do not drive angry or in a bad mood. Cool down, play some uplifting music, or have a picture of someone or something you love near the dashboard – and remember that person, your family, your favorite sport or vacation spot is MORE IMPORTANT than playing the road rage game.
- Let karma get even for you – I see this all the time, someone cuts me off and then that bad driver is often cut-off by other drivers.
Sometimes I imagine that person driving badly or rudely is:
- Running late for work and may be fired.
- Responding to a family emergency.
- A person has a stomachache and needs to find a bathroom fast!
- Maybe they were just served with divorce papers or given devastating news.
- They’re just in a bad mood and mentally I wish them well.
Best – Be a courteous driver:
- Control your anger.
- Don’t take traffic problems personally – Let it go.
- Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver.
- Don’t make obscene gestures.
- Don’t tailgate.
- Use your horn sparingly — even a polite honk can be misinterpreted.
- Don’t block the passing lane.
- Don’t block the right-turn lane.
Another incentive – the Road Rage Law – you could be arrested if you’re trying to get even with someone, running them off the roadway, or deliberately hitting their vehicle with your vehicle. Jail time and fines may be issued.
Stay Alert-Stay Alive!
Monica Zech
