Road Rage: How Do We Deal With It?

What causes traffic aggression? There are many variables that determine whether or not you will have a car accident. Some depend on the vehicle or location, others depend on the driver.

The driver’s experience is very important, as is his skill behind the wheel. But the driver’s personality and emotional state also play an important role. Poor impulse control and negativity can often lead to road rage.

A problem directly related to this is road rage. If the driver is in a bad mood or in a negative state of mind, it increases the risk of a traffic accident.

Impulsivity behind the wheel

For some people, driving is more than a simple way of getting around. In fact, their car is like a second home for many people because they spend so much time there. Their car is like a metal shield. The driver feels protected because it makes him immune to outside aggression.

People who suffer from road rage tend to have an impulsive personality as well. When they get into their car, their negative attitude causes them to do things that are contrary to social norms and behavior.

If you have a hostile personality and you’re in a stressful situation, chances are you won’t respond well. That’s what happens to people with road rage. As you can see, it’s not just the person’s temperament.

External factors also play a role. Things like outside noises, road conditions or weather can all affect an already angry driver.

Traffic aggression: external factors

External factors related to road rage are things that happen that the driver cannot control. For example, traffic jams, not being able to get a parking space or people breaking traffic laws.

These things can increase the driver’s stress and nervousness. That, in turn, will increase his hostile behavior and provoke the road rage. However, not everyone needs external stimuli to get violent behind the wheel.

The decisive factor in whether or not the driver reacts aggressively is his emotional state. External factors can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, but they are usually not the direct cause of the anger.

Traffic Aggression: Internal Factors

The internal factors have to do with the driver’s mental and physical condition. In other words, their emotional state and their ability to focus on what they are doing.

For example, if you wake up in a bad mood that makes you stressed or angry, you are more likely to experience road rage. The same stimulus can elicit different responses, depending on the driver’s emotional state.

A driver who cuts you off and then immediately apologizes for his behavior is very different from a driver who uses rude language and reacts violently.

8 keys to help prevent road rage

To prevent your anger from getting the better of you while driving, keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Respect the traffic laws. Not only will you be less likely to have an accident, but you won’t provoke animosity from other drivers and pedestrians.
• Control the helplessness and anger you feel when other drivers do stupid things. Will yelling at them and insulting them really solve anything?
• Be polite while driving, just like when you’re not behind the wheel.
• Remember that the road you are driving on belongs to everyone. So there are some rules that everyone should respect. We share the road with thousands of people who are also in a hurry, tired, and fed up with traffic jams and impatient drivers. Respect for everyone on the road is crucial.

• Remember that driving is not a competition. It is a means of transport.
• Practice tolerance and solidarity when you’re behind the wheel.
• Plan your trip in advance. Calculate a realistic travel time and add some extra time in case you encounter traffic jams or accidents. If you have enough time, you are less likely to get stressed or nervous.
• Make sure the environment in your car is calming and peaceful. Avoid loud noises, arguing or yelling. That will help you feel more relaxed and you will be more likely to drive better.

A driver training is a solution

On the road, just like in life, you don’t know the circumstances of everyone you meet. You can’t tell if the driver before you had a bad day or has a headache. Remember that everyone is different and not everyone has the same experience on the road.

Some people don’t have quick reflexes or are just easily distracted. The most important thing is that everyone behaves respectfully and politely.

Experts believe that the solution to road rage is better driver training. They think we need clear messages that reach the general population, especially the little ones.

They also say that schools should include this topic. We need to explain the consequences of breaking traffic laws to young children.

Finally, driver training should start at home. It’s a perfect way to avoid the road rage and make sure it’s not the example we set our kids.