Do you know of anyone, including yourself, who hasn't been ticked off by a tailgater, a lane hog, or someone who won't move over to let you onto the highway? Admit it, haven't you sometimes dreamed of, or even indulged in, some minor retaliation, such as a loud beep or an offensive gesture?
We often excuse such behavior by saying that it's just a way of letting off a little steam, calming us down so that we can get back to concentrating on our normally safe driving.
Unfortunately, however, nowadays an angry response may be like waving a red cape in front of a bull. It could get you in real trouble with some other driver who's madder than you are.
Why It Happens
Behavior experts have come up with a number of possible explanations for road rage. The most common theory is that the stresses of everyday life, both on and off the job, have become so intense that they lead to a coping mechanism of which people may not even be aware . It goes something like this:
My boss is driving me crazy. My co-workers are no help. I'm not getting the attention and support I need from my boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, kids, or friends. High prices and taxes are eating up my paycheck in no time. But when I'm in my car/truck I'm in charge, and nobody's going to push me around. So if you know what's good for you, you'd better stay out of my way.
Of course, all of this is felt, rather than spoken out loud.
What to Do About It
When this kind of attitude occurs on the road, whether it's yours or another driver's, it only makes sense to focus on managing your feelings rather than expressing them.
Ask yourself whether your true goal is to win some sort of competition with other drivers on the road, to get where you're going a couple of minutes faster, or to get there in one piece by maintaining a cool head rather than by being a hothead.
Assuming you arrive at the commonsense answer to that question, then what? Then concentrate on not allowing the situation to escalate. Don't allow either your own anger or the other driver's to put your safety at risk.
Patiently remind yourself that the more courteous driver (you) is the better driver. So, yield the right-of-way even to someone who is obviously proceeding in an inappropriate way. Then, congratulate yourself on having been wise enough to avoid a confrontation in what very likely could have been a lose-lose situation.
Make the Sensible — And Safe — Choice
Choosing sensible behavior may be easier said than done, of course, but it will be well worth the effort. You'll know you've used mature, sound judgment. You can even feel a little superior to the clod who cut you off. You'll have decreased your stress level. And most important of all, you'll be safer for the rest of your drive.
Of course, all the information we've just covered applies to your employees as well as to you. So, be sure to share it with them.
Road rage is like a contagious disease. Protect yourself and your employees from it with safe driving information that will help your people control their behavior on the road and steer clear of any obviously "infected" drivers.
Thanks to Safety Daily Advisor
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