The truth of the matter is that ‘road rage’-related accidents, i.e. accidents caused by aggressive or intentionally careless driving, account for more than half of driving accident fatalities. Aggressive driving qualifies as anything from tailgating, to racing, to failing to observe road signs and regulations, to seeking confrontation with other drivers. It’s important to keep a clear head on the road, because given enough emotional turmoil, driving angry can be just as bad as driving drunk.
Speeding
If you are ever speeding, that is one of the times where it is most easy to lose control of your vehicle. Whether or not you feel justified in speeding – if someone keeps drifting into your lane or you are simply running late – speeding is highly dangerous and punishable with steep fines. Remember: ‘slow and steady’ became a proverb for a reason!
Tailgating
No matter how frustrated you may be at the driver in front of you, it is never prudent or wise to tailgate another driver. Since you cannot see what is in front of said driver, you have no way of knowing if they will need to stop suddenly. If that happens, your aggression becomes the real issue; it is no longer the fault of the driver in front of you if you’re the one who rear-ends their car through carelessness.
Confrontation with Other Drivers
A good rule of thumb is that all drivers are just trying to get where they are going. It seems laughably obvious, but it is good to keep in mind that however annoying or frustrating another driver on the road seems to be, they are simply trying to get somewhere and not trying to get your goat deliberately. When getting on the road or interacting with other drivers, keep the philosophy of ‘live and let live’ close to your heart.
It is important to remember that, when you are driving, you are controlling thousands of pounds of heavy machinery as an extension of yourself. If you are feeling angry, reckless, and impulsive, that will be precisely what your style of driving will be until you calm down. If you are just having one of those rough days, take a few deep breaths, drink some water, and clear your head before setting out onto the road – for the sake if someone else’s life, if not your own.
