Fighting Road Rage:
Useful tips

 

Do not retaliate. Never take the other driver personally, he/she is only reacting on a road rage instinct.

Don't make eye contact with an angry driver.

Before you react to anything that is done to you please ask yourself, "Is getting back at that jerk worth my life?"

Leave  traffic policing to police and driving instruction to the professionals. Do not try to "educate" others by competing or retaliating.

Be polite and courteous, even when others are not.

Always ask yourself: "Could the other driver have possibly made a mistake?"

If you are harassed by another driver and being followed, do not go home. Go to the nearest police detachment.

Slow down and relax!

Never underestimate other drivers' capacity for mayhem.

Reduce your driving stress by allowing enough time to get where you are going. Know the roads that are under construction and listen to weather reports that may cause traffic delays. Practice patience and keep your cool.

Reduce your driving stress by making your drive comfortable with music and fresh air.  If upset, breathe deeply and slowly.

Take a deep breath and count to ten when you feel yourself growing angry.

Smile. You are in charge of your mood.  Don't let another driver ruin your day.

Say "sorry".  This often will diffuse another driver's anger or frustration.

Remember that you cannot control the drivers around you, but you can control the way they affect your well-being.  Anger behind the wheel creates a machine of great destructive force.  Be calm and drive safely.