How many angry drivers do you know? When you drive while stressed or upset, you have a higher likelihood of experiencing road rage. Road rage is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it has been on the rise for a decade. Between 2006 and 2015, fatal road rage car accidents climbed 500%.
According to CNN, angry drivers are more likely to tailgate, speed and switch lanes recklessly. You can prevent it, however.
Don’t drive while stressed
Try to control your stress before you sit behind the wheel. Make sure that you have plenty of sleep before driving and prepare for your trips in advance. If you work early, make sure that you plan the night before not to have to rush. When under emotional distress, stay off the road.
Stay as calm as possible
When stressed, staying calm may feel like torture. Do not take another driver’s actions personally. If a driver cuts you off, do not assume he or she did so intentionally. When you let things go, you are less likely to escalate the situation.
Do not react
If an aggressive driver tries to engage with you, do not react. Do not gesture or yell, even if you think he or she has the wrong idea. If you made a mistake, offer a polite wave but do not meet or speak with them. Try to remain at a normal speed and do not stop your vehicle unless you have to. Pay attention to your driving.
If necessary, you can make an emergency call, but only do so if you have emergency calls preset.
