Road rage is a dangerous and all-too-common issue on our roads, one that can quickly turn an everyday commute into a stressful or even potentially harmful situation, regardless of whether it is you or someone else who is doing the raging.
However, understanding what causes road rage in ourselves and in others, and learning effective strategies to manage anger or deal with anger from others can significantly improve road safety and reduce stress for all drivers.
Why road rage happens
Several factors can contribute to road rage. The physical separation from other road users when driving creates a sense of distance and anonymity, which can lower inhibitions and social filters.
This sense of being in a "bubble," combined with the stress of driving, can heighten frustration and anger, while the potentially high stakes of driving - where mistakes can have serious consequences – also contribute to heightened emotional responses.
Who is more likely to experience road rage?
While anyone can experience road rage, certain groups are more susceptible. Younger, male drivers tend to exhibit aggressive driving behaviors more often, while female drivers who experience anger while driving as much as male drivers do are less likely to act on it negatively.
However, female drivers may experience more intense anger in certain situations, such as when faced with hostile gestures or traffic obstructions.
How to avoid road rage
It's important to remember that other drivers are just people, and minor missteps are often unintentional. Approaching driving with the same patience and understanding that we generally apply in other situations can make a significant difference in reducing road rage incidents.
Try to "thingify" other drivers less and see them as real people. Putting pictures of loved ones in the car can help with this. There are many strategies and techniques that can help reduce road rage incidents:
- Self-awareness: Learn to identify the early signs of anger while driving. Recognising when you start to feel angry can help you take steps to prevent it from escalating.
- Alternative explanations: Try to find alternative explanations for the behaviour of other drivers. Rather than assuming someone is deliberately rude, consider they may be distracted or having a bad day.
- Mindfulness and relaxation: Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to remain calm. Deep breaths and focusing on the present can help reduce anger.
- Move away from the trigger: If possible, move away from the situation that is causing you to feel angry. Change lanes or slow down to create distance from an aggressive driver.
- Avoid anger rumination: Don’t replay anger-inducing events in your mind. Instead, shift your focus to something more positive.
- Be a considerate driver: Practice being a courteous driver yourself by using your indicators, not cutting other drivers off, and maintaining a safe following distance.
What to do if you are threatened by a road rager
Handling road rage incidents means keeping a calm head, regardless of what the other driver is doing. While it is important to never engage in confrontation, it's also unwise to pretend that nothing is happening and a friendly wave to signal an apology is often enough to diffuse the situation.
- Change lanes: If you are being tailgated, change lanes. If someone wants to pass, slow down and let them.
- Do not engage: Don’t return gestures or shout back at them.
- Stay behind: Stay behind the angry person at all costs, as they can do less damage if you are behind them.
- Pull over: If necessary, pull off the road or take an exit and let them go by.
- Don't get out of the car: Getting out of your car is the single easiest way to escalate road rage, so don't stop to confront them. If the are following you, contact the police or drive to the nearest police station.
Regardless of whether you are the victim of road rage or the perpetrator, understanding the triggers and trying to remain calm will create a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone on the road.