Taming Road Rage
Sooner or later, if you spend enough time on the road, you’re bound to encounter that crazy, red-faced driver screaming, making obscene gestures and driving like a maniac – a classic case of road rage. Read on to learn more about the growing problem, how to stay safe and how to keep calm and keep on truckin’.
On the Rise
A study quoted in a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, shows road rage is on the rise with fatal crashes linked to road rage up from 80 in 2006 to 467 in 2015, an increase of nearly 500%. Another study referenced in the story showed that incidents of road rage involving a firearm more than doubled between 2014 and 2016 growing from 247 to 620, with 136 resulting with death.
Causes of Road Rage
Experts don’t know for sure why incidents of road rage are on the rise, but contributing factors include:
- Mental disorders such as intermittent explosive disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
- The anonymity associated with being inside a vehicle changes behavior.
- An overdeveloped sense of entitlement and personal rights.
Staying Safe
Here are some tips for staying safe when engaged with someone exhibiting a fit of road rage:
- Don’t make eye contact with the enraged driver.
- Don’t return any gestures or show signs of disapproval.
- Get out of the way and let them pass.
Avoiding Your Own Road Rage
It can be easy to take offense and join the fray when you fall victim to road rage. Here are some tips for staying calm and in control:
- Listen to relaxing music.
- Don’t take it personally if someone cuts you off or engages in other discourteous driving.
- Slow down and allow adequate following distance.
- Be a careful, courteous driver.
- Don’t try to teach a bad driver a lesson.
Have some tips for taming road rage? Share with us in the comments below!