5 Rules to Harness Road Rage
Many people enjoy driving. They use the commute to and from work as time to clear their minds, listen to books, or unfortunately – talk on the phone. Personally, when I’ve made my mind up to go somewhere, then I’m ready to be there. In fact, if there weren’t any other cars on the road then I could get where I need to be in a good fraction of the time it takes otherwise.
Over the years my aggressive driving has mellowed. Some. Really. IT HAS!!! It’s mellowed because it’s absolutely pointless and counterproductive to rush on the road. Observing other people act vicious on the streets also made me take a look at my own behavior when I’m driving. People, glass is see through. I can see you just like you can see me. When I saw people being flat out mean and unforgiving of the very same traffic mistakes it made me drop down a gear and practice some patience.
Responsibility comes with driving. Responsibility to ourselves, our passengers, and the other people. Here are 5 rules that might help harness some of that road rage.
Rule #1 – Leave early. When you have extra time to get where you are going then you aren’t driving in panic mode and you can concentrate on cruising.
Rule #2 – Know the “Let Go Law”. Ok, we’ve all been the car that begs for somebody to stop, allow a break in the traffic, and let us go. I certainly appreciate the cars that stop and “let a car go”. However, to the drivers that think by letting in a stream of x # of cars is generous, you are mistaken. Please remember that there are drivers behind you a that deserve the same respect to get where they are going. Spread the generosity. Let 1-2 go and roll on.
Rule #3 – Hands Down. The gestures are not going to do anything for Mr. Two Foot driver besides distract him further. Let go the fact that not everyone drives as well as you and that you make road mistakes too and just move along. Same goes for the stare down. Giving other drivers dirty looks will probably just make you more upset and distract you more that them. Not worth putting your ride in jeopardy.
Rule #4 – Listen to calming music. High energy is good, unless you’re prone to temperament issues. Try some classical tunes with a deep breath and maybe the road tension won’t seem so stressful.
Rule #5 – Watch yourself. One of the things that helps me have tolerance with road issues is remembering that I appreciate it when other drivers give me a break. When I look at my driving, I certainly know that there’s room for improvement. Everyone makes mistakes and nobody wants to be beat down every time they mess up. Return the same courtesy.
As much as I hate to admit it, speeding really does not get you to your destination much faster at all. It just guzzles gas. -ed
One thing I’ve learned is driving in a hurry doesn’t help you get there faster, at least when you’re in town. I timed myself driving to work from home and even though I was in a hurry, I didn’t get there any quicker than driving at relaxed speed. If you notice the next time you’re in a hurry, you’ll weave in and out of traffic only to be right next to all the people you passed at the same stoplight. The only time speed gets you to your destination any quicker is when driving long distances on a stretch of interstate. Otherwise, the laws of physics prove you’re only wasting energy.
But…but, some people are stupid drivers and need to be reminded of that. OK, very good point and great tips. I know I can be one of those drivers that yells at people for making the very same dumb maneuvers I just did five minutes before.
I’ll agree with you David. I, by no means, am perfect and sometimes I don’t even follow my own suggestions. But only sometimes…
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