by C.D. Crowder

Created on: March 23, 2009

Rage in itself is an extremely unhealthy emotion. Rage causes our heart rates to spike and adrenaline to take over. More often than not, rage leads us to do things we regret.
Road rage is far too common and we've all given in to it to some degree. Because our rage causes the rage of others, road rage is incredibly dangerous.
It can result in injury and even death.

It's your responsibility to learn the ways to avoid giving in to road rage.

~Put Yourselves In Their Shoes

We've all seen other drivers do stupid things. They merge without looking or pull out in front of us. We curse, we gesture, and ride their bumpers. However, do we ever stop to wonder why the driver did what they did? Maybe the drive is under a lot of stress at work or someone close to them just passed away.
We all get distracted sometimes by the problems we're facing outside of vehicle.

There is no real excuse for dangerous driving, but we can at least do our part to pay attention to those who get distracted. We all make mistakes sometimes. You never know what may be going on in that person's life, so forgive them a mistake on the roadway. Tomorrow, they may be the best driver the world has ever seen. Today, they have other things on their mind.

~Consider Your Health

Does road rage really do anything for you? You can rant and rave at other drivers, but it doesn't change the fact that the other driver did something they weren't supposed to. The situation is over, the other driver is happy. Why should you suffer the stressful effects of road rage?

When you're stressed, you increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, heart disease, ulcers, and headaches. When you look at the health risks, is it really worth the time and effort it takes to have road rage to begin with?

~How Will Others React

You never know how another driver will react to road rage. They are already driving carelessly. What's to stop them from causing you to wreck, pulling a gun, or starting a fight? Road rage can be dangerous. You don't know who the other drive is. You may know where you will draw the line, but you don't know where they will.

Think about your own safety before giving in to road rage. Others can also be injured in the process. By calming down and ignoring the other driver, you can prevent damage to your vehicle, yourself, and other drivers.

~Find An Outlet

No matter how hard we try, we still get agitated when another driver does something to make the roads unsafe for us. Find a way to vent your anger outside of road rage. Call a friend, tap a beat on the steering wheel, take deep breaths, turn the music up, or pull into a parking lot. Whatever you do, just distract yourself from giving into the temptations of road rage.

When another driver does something to anger you, don't give in to road rage. It doesn't help anyone, not even you. You'll feel better and be a better drive, if you take on the responsibility of being a calm, rational motorist.

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