17 Tips for Avoiding Road Rage While Driving
Road rage is a serious problem on America’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, road rage is responsible for an average of 12,610 injuries and 218 deaths each year.
If you’re the victim of road rage, the best thing you can do is to stay calm and try to diffuse the situation. But what if you’re the one who’s angry?
Here are seventeen tips for avoiding road rage while driving:
1. Don’t take things personally.
Just because someone cuts you off in traffic don’t mean they’re doing it to spite you. Most of the time, it’s simply a mistake or an act of carelessness
2. Allow yourself extra time.
If you’re running late, chances are you’ll be more likely to get angry behind the wheel. Leave early so that you don’t have to rush and can take your time.
3. Don’t honk unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Horns are one of the most common triggers for road rage. Use them sparingly, and only when you truly need to.
4. Use your turn signals.
If you signal your intentions, other drivers will be more likely to understand and anticipate your actions. This can help avoid misunderstandings that could lead to road rage.
5. Don’t make assumptions about other drivers.
Just because someone cuts you off doesn’t mean they’re a bad driver – they may simply be in hurry or not paying attention. Give them the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.
6. Be aware of your own driving.
If you’re driving recklessly, you’re more likely to provoke other drivers and cause an accident. Drive carefully and obey the speed limit to avoid making you a target.
7. Don’t engage with aggressive drivers.
If someone is tailgating you or trying to start a fight, the best thing you can do is to stay calm and ignore them. Don’t give them the satisfaction of getting a reaction out of you.
8. Avoid eye contact.
Making eye contact with an aggressive driver can be interpreted as a challenge and may escalate the situation. If possible, look away or keep your eyes on the road ahead.
9. Keep your hands visible.
Keep your hands visible at all times to show that you’re not looking for a fight. Avoid making any sudden or aggressive movements that could be interpreted as a threat.
10. Don’t make obscene gestures.
Even if you’re just trying to express your frustration, flipping someone off is only going to make the situation worse. Keep your hands to yourself to avoid provoking an altercation.
11. Don’t block other drivers.
If you’re driving slowly in the left lane or blocking someone from passing, you’re likely to anger other motorists. Move over when it’s safe to do so and let faster traffic pass.
12. Don’t tailgate.
Tailgating is one of the most dangerous and provocative things you can do on the road. If someone is tailgating you, slow down and let them pass.
13. Use your horn sparingly.
Horns are a common trigger for road rage, so use them only when absolutely necessary. If you must use your horn, do so calmly and avoid honking for long periods of time.
14. Signal before you change lanes.
If you signal your intentions, other drivers will be more likely to understand and anticipate your actions. This can help avoid misunderstandings that could lead to road rage.
15. Don’t cut off other drivers.
Cutting off another driver is rude and dangerous, and it’s one of the surest ways to provoke road rage. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you, and don’t make any sudden lane changes.
16. Don’t brake-check other drivers.
Brake-checking – purposely slamming on your brakes to make the driver behind you hit their brakes – is a dangerous and childish act that can easily lead to an accident. If someone brake-checks you, stay calm and don’t retaliate.
17. Pull over if you need to cool down.
If you’re feeling angry or frustrated, it’s best to pull over and take a break. Take a few deep breaths and give yourself time to calm down before getting back on the road.
Conclusion:
When it comes to road rage, it’s important to stay calm and avoid escalation. If you can do that, you’ll be much less likely to find yourself in a dangerous or violent situation. Remember, safety comes first – so do whatever you can to avoid putting yourself or others at risk.