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Often the seeds of road rage are planted long before a driver sits behind the wheel of a vehicle.

We are all susceptible to succumbing to road rage when circumstances bring us to the very brink of losing control of our emotions. Ultimately some of us are better at avoiding that final step that could easily prompt us to act totally out of character.

There are precautions one can take to avoid losing self control and staying calm in any driving situation that might be encountered. Precautions that many people most likely never consider.

LEAVE ENOUGH TIME:

It seems like so many of us are in too much of a hurry to get from point "A" to point "B". There are a couple of reasons for this. Often we are simply taking on too much and are trying to squeeze too many tasks into one day. Also, many people are guilty of poor time management. Most major cities have infra-structures that are stretched to the maximum. Traffic is often bumper to bumper as vehicles of all sorts tax city roadways to the limit. Yet so many drivers refuse to allow extra time to get where they are going. It's surprising considering we are all aware just how busy it will be when we get out there.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP:

Driving is not the simple task people have been lulled into thinking it is. Driving is complex and demands our full attention. Often people do not get enough sleep for any number of reasons. Regardless of why, the lack of proper rest can put people on edge and cause tempers to become short. What normally would not bother us can quickly mushroom out of control if we do not have full control of our emotions.

CAREFUL WITH THE COFFEE:

Coffee is a natural stimulant and can be a great way to begin the day. However, like just about everything else in life, moderation is the key. Once we get past the "feel good" jump start of our morning coffee, we venture into the realm of agitation when we push the limit and insist on three cups when one was most likely perfect. A person "strung out" on caffeine can reach the breaking point much more easily and behave totally out of character.

SHOW RESTRAINT:

Not all drivers are created equal. Some are just learning. Some are apprehensive. Some lack confidence. Some will simply never be as comfortable and secure behind the wheel as you are. Show a little patience and compassion. Consider that it could be your son, daughter, or wife behind the wheel of the vehicle that somehow offended you.

There is little to be gained by overt acts of road rage. Everyone can lose in these situations. How we react in a single anger filled moment can change the course of our lives in a heart beat.

It simply is just not worth it.

Learn more about this author, Ray Fauteux.
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