There is nothing much more frustrating when driving than someone cutting you off as you (rightfully) enter a roadway. The other driver swerves in front, and you slam on your brakes, hoping this is not the time that they fail.
Situations such as these can cause drivers to become more aggressive and dangerous. However, it is not only incidents on the road that lead to road rage.
This is what you should know about road rage and how it could make driving more dangerous for you and others.
Driving is not a good way to deal with anger
There are many situations throughout the day where something goes wrong, and you end up angry behind the wheel. You may have had a terrible day at work, or you might have removed yourself from a frustrating situation before you say something you could regret.
Regardless of the scenario, getting behind the wheel when you are angry can have unfortunate consequences. One study concluded that driving while experiencing extreme emotions like sadness or anger could increase the likelihood of a vehicle crash by as much as 10 times.
Finding a way to cope
It is essential to find a way to deal with your anger before starting your car. While you may think that the anger will dissipate while driving, you could encounter another triggering incident before you feel like yourself again.
Before you start your car, take a moment to check your emotions. If you find you are overly emotional, try an activity that will shift your focus for a moment, such as:
- Deep breathing
- Talking to a friend or family member
- Listening to a calming song
When you take a moment to understand where your anger comes from and decide how to deal with it before you start driving, you will make the road a safer place.
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