Unfortunately there is a lot of aggression on our roads today. Hot tempered drivers are hazardous. Car chasing and cutting other drivers up can cost lives. Even women are jumping in on the act. Just last month we saw a gang of young women smashing up a car using car jacks and a saucepan in the Northern Territory. In February a man was repeatedly stabbed in the southern Sydney suburbs.
So how can we avoid road rage incidents and car accident injury and keep cool behind the wheel?
Driving safely and considerately
Being a considerate and careful driver goes without saying. Nice gestures such as letting people out or changing lane if someone is in a rush can assist and such rage to pass you by. If you are a nice thoughtful driver you may not ever be targeted. Of course this is not always the case.
Keeping calm yourself
Taking deep breaths and listening to soothing music such as classical music can keep you relaxed on the road. Deep breathing in traffic jams can reduce your stress levels.
Avoid driving when tired
Being tired not only affects your concentration levels but it can also make you react emotionally to situations. For example if someone beeps their horn at you, it may annoy you more than it would normally.
Avoiding negative interaction
If someone wants to act angrily towards you there is no need to retaliate. You never know what a person will do and what they are capable of. If they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs keep any interaction short and to the point. If they are shouting, speak calmly back to them without showing fear.
Techniques for keeping cool behind the wheel
There are many techniques for keeping cool behind the wheel. Music is a big mood setter and soft gentle music can be relaxing. If you are stuck in traffic and feeling frustrated clearing your mind and breathing deeply can also be a great help. Breathing in for ten seconds, holding it for ten seconds and then breathing out for ten seconds can prove very relaxing.
If you have children in the back of the car they can sometimes be distracting especially if there is a disagreement. To avoid arguments you can provide them with books to read and small toys to play with. When driving long distance, a portable DVD player is a great source of entertainment.
On road games such as ‘Eye Spy’ and ‘Spelling’ can keep the children calm and entertained. If they are relaxed then there is a good chance you can be a more relaxed driver.
If you experience an accident injury as a result of road rage, you and your passengers may have injury compensation entitlements. Report the incident to the police and discuss the accident with an accident injury attorney.
