Road Rage

What is road rage?

Road rage is best described as a motorist’s uncontrolled aggressive behaviour that is usually caused by another motorist’s irritating driving behaviour. The aggressive behaviour patterns exhibited towards the other motorist may include offensive gestures, verbal insults, physical threats and often common assault. 

In an effort to get immediate relief from frustration, a driver might cause a serious accident, injuries, damage to property, and on occasion - even death.

According to the American Automobile Association for Traffic Safety, there are more than 1200 incidents of serious road rage events reported in the US each year. However, there are many incidents which not included in police records.

What contributes to road rage?

Apart from the physical causes, you may have a low threshold of frustration, and a high level of anxiety or stress which results in irrational angry responses to any event which may upset you. This is a perfect recipe for you to get angry on the road from even minor incidents.

Some physical events which may set off a road rage tirade:

•  You may be stuck in traffic which causes frustration that makes the risk of experiencing road rage about the situation very high.

•  You may be involved in a bumper-bashing with another driver who is also stressed and doesn’t move quickly enough when the traffic eventually flows.

•  The state of the road, especially when it rains, and the traffic lights malfunction.

• If your vehicle is not in the best condition and breaks down, temporarily blocking the traffic. Other drivers may get irritated with you and you respond aggressively.

• Pedestrians and jay-walkers who do not take the traffic into consideration.

• Reckless and inconsiderate driving by others which can lead to an accident, can also result in a serious altercation.

These are just some of the events which can set off an explosion of road rage if you feel irritated or frustrated by other drivers.

Driving forces.

Cars are very personal spaces and are globally the most popular mode of transport. Mostly folk want to feel comfortable in their cars, and take any hiccups or irritations in their stride, without flying into a rage. Unfortunately, those who have a tendency to anxiety and a quick temper may not always be able to look forward to a peaceful drive.

To create a positive driving experience, especially if you are always close to friction. Here are some actions you can take.

•  Check your tyre pressure regularly so you are not constantly worrying about getting a flat.

•  It’s okay to be a passionate driver if this is your nature, but do not be over-zealous which may lead to your driving becoming too aggressive.

• Keep water handy as you may need to stay hydrated if you are stuck in traffic. 

• Studies have shown that highly anxious drivers tend to show more impatient, irrational behaviour while driving. 

•  Studies have also indicated that engaging in deep breathing exercises helps anxious drivers to keep calm.

• Consciously adhering to the traffic rules also helps to promote calmness while driving.

Whatever your choice of car, you will spend a lot of time driving it, so make sure it is comfortable, and always in a roadworthy condition.

The best way to deal with road rage.

Road rage is an off-shoot of irrational responses to incidents which relate to matters which may cause anger, irritation or frustration. People with road rage issues usually have problems with anxiety and uncontrolled responses, and the best way to help with the condition is to treat the inherent anxiety.

Extensive research mental health experts recommend that hypnotherapy which can access the subconscious mind is a very successful treatment. The root of many of the anger and anxiety issues are buried in the subconscious, and surface when triggered in the form of irrational angry or aggressive behaviours.

Hypnosis can help to identify unresolved trauma or anger issues, and will begin the process of eliminating these thoughts and creating a new positive mindset.

You will learn to relate in a positive way to new thought patterns which will result in less anxiety and stress, and give you more control over your emotions and responses.