How to avoid road rage

Have you ever felt anger towards other drivers when behind the wheel? This could be road rage. Read this article to understand what road rage is and how to avoid it to keep yourself and others safe when you’re driving.

What is road rage?

Everyone gets frustrated from time to time on the road due to the actions of other drivers. It’s a natural response to scary moments such as someone pulling out unexpectedly or cutting you off. Road rage goes beyond this, however. It is an extended angry reaction where you don’t feel in control of your reactions, often involving:

• Yelling verbal insults
• Making rude gestures
• Threats and intimidation
• Aggressive manoeuvres
• Physical confrontation

Doing these actions while driving creates dangerous situations which can lead to severe collisions causing injuries or even fatalities. A recent survey which analysed the data for reported road collisions in the UK over the last decade cited aggression as a factor in over 50% of accidents.

How to avoid road rage

Recognising your triggers

To effectively stop road rage in its tracks, you must understand what could set you off and be mindful in those moments. Classic triggers include being late, heavy traffic and aggressive drivers who get too close to you. When you encounter these situations, be aware of your feelings and purposefully try to stay in control.

Techniques for staying calm

Employ techniques for staying calm – not only in moments of anger but also before you set off. Daily meditation before you leave the house will help to put you in touch with your emotions and relax your mind before driving. While on the road, conscious deep breathing, rolling down the window for fresh air and listening to calming music can keep you grounded.

Choose a comfortable car

Tiredness can be instrumental in whether or not you experience road rage. As well as taking breaks during long journeys to rest and refuel, having a comfortable car such as a BMW 2 Series can reduce your risk of driving fatigue. These models also have superior interior features to help you stay alert and relaxed such as advanced entertainment equipment and safety systems.

Long-term strategies

Reduce the likelihood of road rage occurring over time with long-term strategies. This could include manageable lifestyle changes like leaving earlier or later to avoid rush hour and choosing routes that avoid congested areas. Both of these strategies have the added advantage of saving you money on fuel as prices remain high.

Keeping your car well-maintained will also help lower your stress levels when on the road as you can be confident in its performance on long journeys, and in situations where you have to brake or perform manoeuvres suddenly.