by Elaine M. Doxie

Created on: September 16, 2010

Unfortunately, most people are guilty of road rage at some point in their driving careers.  They may be angry because they're running late for work and are stuck in traffic.  They may be upset at the person that just cut them off.  No matter what the cause of their road rage is, they have now put themselves in danger by allowing themselves to become upset by someone they don't even know and will probably never see again.  Of course, there are ways to control road rage.  It takes practice to control it completely, but it can be done.

Allow yourself plenty of time to get where you are going.  If you're always angry because your running just barely on time, or even a little late for work, leave earlier.  Allow yourself plenty of time to get to work, or wherever else you may be going.  You will be surprised how much patience you have when you're not in such a hurry.

Check the traffic reports and avoid high traffic areas whenever possible.  There are times that we are going to be suck in traffic no matter what we do, but if we avoid the times when traffic is at it's worst, it helps us to keep our patience.  Road rage is at it's worst when traffic is heavy.  Even when you can't avoid heavy traffic, checking the traffic report before you leave can help you to mentally prepare yourself so that you know what traffic is going to be like before you hit it.  Being prepared helps you to handle it better when you see it.

Play soothing music in your car.  Playing classical, or other soft, soothing music will help to keep you more calm.  When you are on the road stuck in traffic is not the time for heavy metal or hardcore rap, as much as you may enjoy it.  Keep the music that you play in your car either upbeat and happy sounding, or soft and soothing.  Either will help to prevent road rage.  Save the hardcore stuff for home or really, really light traffic.

Above all else, remember that everyone else on the road is probably just as frustrated and fed up with the traffic as you are.  That guy that just cut you off is probably running late for work or an appointment, and got cut off a few minutes ago himself.  That lady driving 10 miles under the speed limit in the fast lane probably is from the days when the speed limit was 10-15 miles less per hour, so she thinks she's doing just fine.  Be patient with the other drivers on the road, because someday, you may need them to be patient with you.

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