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of getting them payback. It's really not worth it losing your life on the open highway.

Another way to prevent road rage is to always drive defensively. What this means is that you're watching out for the drivers that are speeding, tailgating, and not using turn signals. There's always going to be drivers that fail to use these common car functions. Rude drivers make it harder on everyone else because they left late and have to be somewhere on time. Also, drivers that swerve to make turns are dangerous drivers. Do your best to stay away from these drivers because they're not considering the dangers of high-speed driving. If you're around these drivers, and you see them coming up behind you, get in the opposite lane and allow them to pass. These drivers left late for work or were angry when they got behind the wheel and are not fit to drive. They are not considering the caution of the road or the safety of th other drivers, so just watch out for yourself.

Third, make sure you get enough rest before you drive. If you are taking medications that say "too risky to drive", please I beg you, don't risk it! If you feel as if you're in a condition where you can't drive, then don't chance your life and the lives of innocent others. If you have an accident while on these medications, then you risk the chances of killing yourself or others. Are you going to be able to live with that? Furthermore, when people are exhausted, they have short tempers and less patience for other drivers. It increases your chance of an accident when you fall asleep behind the wheel. If you feel as if you aren't able to drive, then have someone drive you to your destination. It's worth getting there safe instead of in several pieces.

Next, allow yourself enough time to get where you're going. When drivers leave late to get somewhere, they run the risk of being the victim of road rage. People honk if they take too long at the toll booths, and they tailgate slow drivers in the left lane. Risky drivers also run the chance of being stopped by the police and getting into more serious trouble. These are the drivers going at high speeds and tailgating to get where they're going faster while the ones obeying the law get to go free without any tickt. Rightly so, tailgators aren't ever pentalized and may never be, but the fines for them should be higher than they are in the law books.

Finally, be sure to listen to music you enjoy. This helps in controlling your mood and stabilizes your patience behind the wheel. It also helps you drive more cautiously. The volume you play your music at makes all the difference while you're driving. Don't play it too loudly because it will distract your driving. This is one of the best ideas because it helps you stay calm and relaxed. Drivers who listen to music are often better drivers and drive more defensively. If you're dancing and tapping the pedal as I ocassionally do, then music will soothe you from being bothered by the other drivers. Let them have a bad day, but your optimistic mood will win in the end.

Whatever method you choose, road rage can be prevented if defensive drivers take precaution. There's always going to be drivers who don't care about hurting other people or getting home-drunk drivers, for example. If you choose to be a defensive driver you can prevent these drivers from coming near you. You have to make the choices to justify your actions while behind the wheel.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer E. Brown.
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