by Sun Meilan

Created on: August 31, 2010

There is no doubt that road rage can kill if it is not managed properly. Seemingly calm people can become incredibly wound up by other people's dangerous driving or rudeness, to the extent that they take risks they wouldn't usually take. There is something about being inside a car and being responsible for everyone in it that makes a driver lose their temper. If you suffer from road rage, whether occasionally or regularly, there are some techniques that you can follow to control it.

*Don't drive if already angry

It can sometimes be tempting to get behind the wheel of a car and just drive if you are upset or angry. However, this is not a wise move. You could have an accident simply because you are not concentrating properly; you are also far more likely to be wound up by someone else's poor driving. Wait until you are feeling calmer. 

*Avoid traffic hotspots

There is nothing like being stuck in a traffic jam to drive you insane. You may not always be able to avoid it, especially if you have to go to work at certain times of the day, but if you can change the time of your drive, or change your route to a quieter one, then you are far less likely to become wound up. If you are stuck in traffic, try and listen to some calming music. 

*Take some deep breaths

If someone makes you angry, then take some deep breaths before you react. Sometimes taking just a few seconds to make a judgement can help you to see things that much more clearly and you will realise that it is not worth getting into a fight or a dangerous situation. If you have someone in the car with you, telling them how you feel may take the sting out of your anger. 

*Pull over if possible

If you find yourself shaking with rage, then you are almost certainly not safe to be driving. If it is safe to do so, then pull over as soon as you can and rest until you feel ready to continue. If, however, there is nowhere to pull over, or you are concerned that the driver who has made you angry may stop too, then put on some calming music and drive as carefully as you can. 

*Report dangerous driving

Drivers get away with dangerous driving all the time because they aren't reported. Take out some of your temper on a bad driver by noting their registration number and, as soon as you can, reporting them to the police. A warning may just make them think twice another time and you will have used up your rage in a positive way. 

*Drive carefully yourself

There are times when it is your own dangerous driving that causes another driver to take risks. As far as possible, make sure that you drive as carefully as possible. If you're driving well yourself, you are much less likely to find yourself in dangerous or annoying situations that cause you to lose your temper. 

*Anger management courses

If you are finding that road rage gets the better of you on a regular basis and that you have difficulty in controlling your anger in other situations too, then it is worth considering an anger management course. There should be at least one available locally; if in doubt, ask your doctor for his or her advice. 

Don't give in to your rage when you are behind the wheel. You will almost certainly regret it at a later date, especially if you cause an accident. 

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