Road Rage: How To Deal With It

For some people, driving incites a sort of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde mentality. You might feel perfectly fine when you get in the car, but as soon as someone cuts you off in traffic, you become a whole different person—and likely not a version that you're proud of.

In extreme cases, you might experience road rage. Road rage is very dangerous to yourself and those around you. It can result in severe legal consequences, physical harm, or even death.

What Is Road Rage?

Road rage is defined as aggressive or violent behavior stemming from a driver's uncontrolled anger at the actions of another motorist. Some examples include:

  • Hitting their vehicle with your car.
  • Running them off the road.
  • Pulling over, getting out, and engaging in a physical confrontation.
  • Inciting your passenger(s) to fight the other driver.
  • Using any sort of weapon to inflict harm on another driver or vehicle.

Oftentimes, aggressive driving escalates road rage. Aggressive driving is an accumulation of illegal driving maneuvers, often resulting from emotional distress. If you find yourself getting angry and upset on the road, try to notice if you're engaging in any of the following aggressive driving behaviors:

  • Tailgating.
  • Cutting others off.
  • Not using turn signals.
  • Mentally or verbally cursing other drivers.
  • Speeding.
  • Honking.
  • Flashing your headlights.
  • Brake checking.

If you find yourself driving aggressively, you need to take the necessary steps to make sure that it does NOT escalate into road rage.

How Road Rage Starts

Often, those that we're closest to upset us the most. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, it's important to be especially aware of your emotions and reactions, as they can influence how you behave on the road.

Some situations that can potentially result in road rage include:

  • Getting fired or into an argument at work.
  • Arguing with your significant other.
  • Rushing because you're running late to an appointment.
  • Scolding your kids in the car.

Who Gets Road Rage

It seems like everyone is susceptible to road rage, but studies have shown that younger male drivers and people with certain psychological disorders are most prone to engage in aggressive driving and road rage. If you fall into these categories, you should be extra conscious of your emotions and actions on the road.

NOTE: Remember, anyone can experience road rage, and you should not discriminate against those mentioned above.

Preventing Road Rage

Before driving, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you and/or other drivers won't be tempted into road rage. Preventative measures you can take include:

  • Putting on soothing music that you like.
  • Get into the mentality that you are sharing the road, and nobody's perfect!
  • Keep a good amount of space between yourself and other drivers.
  • Refrain from making prolonged eye contact or obscene gestures at other drivers.

Diffusing Road Rage

If you've upset another driver, it's important to defuse the situation as soon as possible. The best way to do this is by showing remorse. You can do so by:

  • Waving to the other driver.
  • Mouthing that you're sorry.
  • Allowing plenty of room for them to pass you.

Be the bigger person. This helps to keep everyone, including yourself, safe. Of course, you should always call the police if you believe you're in imminent danger.

When another upsets you, don't make the situation more difficult than it has to be. Before taking matters into your own hands, you should:

  • Pull over to a safe location, out of the way of traffic.
  • Take deep breaths—maybe even count backwards.
  • Remember you have full control over your own actions and thoughts.
  • Think about the consequences of your actions, should you contemplate exacting revenge on the other driver.

By remaining calm and not taking other drivers' actions personally, you can avoid legal repercussions and accidents.

Consequences of Road Rage

If a law enforcement officer catches you engaging in road rage, you can be charged with a criminal offense. This means that you will need to:

  • Go to court.
  • Pay legal fees.
  • Possibly face jail/prison time.

For all of the time and money that you'll end up losing, road rage is simply not worth it.

In addition, you risk:

  • Damage to your vehicle.
  • Physical harm to yourself and your passengers.
  • Death.

You don't know what other people are capable of or what their state of mind might be. If you succumb to road rage, the other driver could have a deadly weapon, putting you in serious danger.

Bottom line: a few moments of anger are simply not worth a lifetime of sorrow.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review