Expect Challenges and Be Prepared for Them

Written by Cathy Weidner, LCSW

According to the experts, most of us have an average daily commute of 50 minutes each way.  This exposes us to an even greater potential of experiencing road rage as a perpetrator or a victim.  The following are some guidelines to help us from either perspective. 

1. Drivers in the left or fast lane who are going slower than you want them to.
2. Drivers who leave their high beams on when they approach you at night.
3. Drivers who look at you or gesture at you as they pass you.
4. Drivers who want to pull into the parking space you've been waiting for.
5. Drivers who tailgate to pressure a driver to go faster or get out of the way.
6. Drivers who flash their lights in order to signal persons to move into the other lane.
7. Drivers who change lanes without signaling.
8. Drivers who frequently change lanes by weaving back and forth.
9. Drivers who race to beat a yellow light that's about to turn red.
10. Drivers who travel in the passing or left lane at a slower speed, making it impossible for others to pass.

Things To Remember... 

1. We don't have the power to force other drivers to change their driving style.  It's not part of the driver's job to teach other drivers proper manners. 
2. Don't retaliate.
3. Don't show your negative emotions.  Getting mad while driving is an act of separation and victimization.
4. Look for the humorous side of traffic.
5. There are two things at the root of road rage: selfishness and pride.

Practicals to Reduce Road Rage 

1. Whenever you are tempted to get upset; think of all the times you've made mistakes on the road, where others could have been equally upset with you.
2. When someone seems to do something that seems rude, try not to take it personally.  Try and think that maybe it was an accident or they didn't mean to do it.
3. If you tend to always be in a rush, leave a few minutes earlier, so you won't be in such a hurry, and then you won't be impatient with others.
4. Listen to soothing music on the road.  Music has an uncanny way of altering your mood.  Find music that has a beat slower than your heart rate.
5. Kindness breeds kindness, patience breeds patience, compassion breeds compassion.  On the same note: impatience breeds impatience and rage breeds rage.
6. The bottom line is this: treat people the way you want to be treated!

What To Do When You Encounter Road Rage 

1. Avoid eye contact with the aggressor.
2. Avoid obscene gesturing or swearing.
3. If the aggressor is attempting to pursue you, try to get to the nearest police station or well-populated and lighted area.  Do not get out of your car unless absolutely necessary.
4. Remain calm.

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Copyright © 2003 by UT Southwestern Medical Center