“Road rage” is an angry and hostile behavior of a driver towards other drivers or other persons while driving his vehicle on the streets. It is shown in his mannerisms, actions, and language; also in his manner of driving which threatens the lives and properties of other drivers or persons.

Psychologists indicate that this behavior is a consequence of a sense of “constriction” that a driver feels in heavy traffic situations, one of the most common accident sites. The desire to be released from this territorial entrapment causes the driver to try to wiggle out of the sea of vehicles around him. Moreover, the steel enclosure provided by his vehicle creates in him an emboldened attitude towards danger, explaining the devil-may-care posture.

Image by Tony the Misfit via Flickr

Studies have implicated this hostile attitude in majority of street accidents worldwide. One study showed that more than 90% of drivers have been once a victim of road rage and more than 50% of these drivers have admitted to being an aggressor once. Another study showed that more than half of drivers who have encountered a hostile behavior reacted with similar aggression: louder honking, obscene language and gestures, louder yelling, retaliating by cutting the other off.

Many accidents have resulted in injuries from road rage. And even deaths.

Image via Wikipedia

Here are some suggestions on how to avoid, prevent or otherwise deal with this hostile behavior:

1. Remember that you have but one life to live. Concentrate on getting to your destination safely.
2. Drive properly and appropriately. Use your vehicles’ signaling mechanisms.
3. Practice defensive driving. Resist any temptation to drive aggressively.
4. If you are not in the mood to drive, don’t.
5. If you encounter such a road anarchist, slow down. Give the benefit of the doubt. Let him pass. Forgive. You are not in a hurry to go to heaven.
6. If you made a mistake, apologize by signs or gestures.
7. Avoid cutting off other drivers.
8. Avoid “tail-gating.”
9. Avoid making unhealthy gestures.
10. Use your vehicle’s horns sparingly.

Road rage begins and ends with you. You carry that singular empowerment. You are in control of yourself and of the wheels. If it begins with the other, you have the power to end it.