If you think the term is reserved for macho men ready for a punch-up, recall the last time someone cut in front of you without indicating or waving thanks.
Did you simply shrug it off and think “he must be having a rough day”? Or did you bellow out a litany of profanities, clench your fists in anger, fl ash your lights, and let his bad driving ruin your good mood?
Here’s how to avoid being a victim of your own road rage:
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BASIC NEEDS
“Anger is our response to stress,” says clinical psychologist Bea Potgieter, and people often respond with anger when they’re experiencing stress related to anxiety, depression; or feeling over-burdened. It’s therefore essential that you take care of your basic needs first to alleviate stress levels. Take time to relax; make sure you’re getting enough sleep; look after your emotional needs; and make time for regular exercise.
CREATE A PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT
> “Listen to your favourite soothing music in the car,” recommends clinical psychologist Jamie Elkon. “Studies have demonstrated that people drive faster when music approaches more than 100 beats per minute, so rather tune in to a classical or ambient station.”
> If you’re travelling with children in the car, think of riddles or games to keep them occupied to avoid screaming matches in the back seat, which are bound to set your stress levels soaring.
> Throw out all those old water bottles, shopping bags, parking tickets etc, and keep your car’s interior clean and uncluttered.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Planning for the unexpected can help to minimise stress, so if you have an important 9am meeting, leave home in plenty of time in case of traffic jams — particularly if the weather’s bad. Being a little early gives you extra time to relax and prepare yourself.
AVOID ANTAGONISING BEHAVIOUR
“Don’t engage in actions that may anger other motorists, such as hand gestures, stares, unnecessary use of the hooter, or flashing lights,” advises Anesh Sukhai, author of a road rage study conducted by the Medical Research Council in conjunction with Unisa and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “Try to avoid conflict as far as possible, even when victimised, and learn to see acts of bad driving as unintentional or situational, and not as a personal attack,” says Sukhai.
“Apologising is also a very valuable tool. One international study showed that 85 percent of ‘road ragers’ claimed that they would not have reacted in rage if the other driver had simply apologised.”
ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION
“Road rage seems to be a phenomenon that is steadily increasing in South Africa,” says Cape Town Traffic Services media liaison Searle Johannes, and the consequences can be dire. His adviceo
> Do not, under any circumstances, stop your vehicle and get involved in a direct confrontation with the other party.
> If the other vehicle is travelling too close to yours, safely reduce speed to allow the driver to pass, and don’t engage in any eye contact or hand gestures as they go by.
> If the other driver is following you, drive to the nearest police station. If that’s not an option, drive to a busy mall and inform the security officers of the problem. They may be able to assist you, and involving a third party can help to diffuse built-up tension.
Comments