Here are ways to avoid road rage

While most of us typically drive in a defensive manner, some road users might appear to be aggressive on the road. Cutting lanes, tailing too close to other vehicles, and excessive honking of horns — these are just some of the frustrating behaviors displayed by drivers that can trigger your anger.

Should you give in, this could result in an altercation, commonly known as road rage.

That said, here are some tips to avoid getting yourself in this situation. Seven comes from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), while three are the author’s personal practices.

First, let’s start with the seven “effective tips” shared by the country’s land transport bureau:

Stay cool, stay safe

According to the LTO, if another driver provokes you — you should not take the bait. The agency advises drivers who encounter such people to stay calm, collected; and focus on reaching their destinations.

It’s common for other drivers to taunt people they come into conflict with. It is best to avoid eye contact and keep your windows up. While this may feel humiliating to others, this will save you precious time talking to traffic enforcers, police investigators, and barangay officials.

Mindful breathing

It’s true that breathing exercises can help you calm down. When aggravated, your blood pressure tends to rise. Breathing slowly can affect your blood pressure positively, so you can practice mindful breathing when caught in a sticky situation.

Maintain distance

When you keep your car’s bumper close to the vehicle in front of you, you’re reducing your braking distance and could provoke other drivers, leading to road rage incidents.

The LTO advises motorists to keep a safe space between cars. This will give you time to react should any untoward incident happen and save you from stressful arguments.

Avoid competition, retaliation

We understand that it can be tempting to show others just how capable your car is. Sports cars need to stretch their legs every once in a while, right? While this might be true, it’s best not to compete with other drivers, especially when inside the metro, where many vehicles tend to rush towards their destinations.

Should other drivers show you just why their cars cost big bucks, it’s best not to reciprocate, as it could only escalate the situation. Rather than revving up, it’s best to stay focused and just let it go.

Put away pride

While looking the other way hurts our ego, putting our feelings aside and resisting the urge to engage in aggressive behavior could be the best option. This way, you are not risking your property (your car) and your life out of anger.

Think about the consequences

One way to douse your annoyance is to think about the possible consequences of your actions. Road rage incidents usually require the intervention of the authorities to be settled, and once traffic enforcers look into the situation, they will check all possible violations leading to serious legal and personal ramifications.

Consequences include fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

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Practice respect, empathy

While there is still no valid excuse for acting up on the road, putting yourself in the other driver’s shoes can help put out the burning anger in you.

Per the LTO, you never know what they’re going through, and it wouldn’t help choosing compassion over aggression.

“By following these simple tips, you can steer clear of road rage and enjoy a safer, more peaceful driving experience. So the next time you feel your temper flaring, take a deep breath, count to 10, and remember: it’s better to arrive late than to never arrive at all,” the agency wrote in a press statement.

Aside from the aforementioned suggestions, here are some of the writer’s practices that could help you avoid road rage.

Play worship songs

While it may sound too cliché and could make the writer appear to be self-righteous, playing worship songs while driving puts you in a calmer mood.

Listening to hymns and words of praise can help you look at the situation from a different perspective, one that prioritizes peace over disputes.

Keep your family in mind

For those who have families waiting for them at home, picturing them could help prevent unnecessary road rage incidents.

The author’s son is at an age where he can use Apple’s speech-to-text feature. That said, when the writer is out and about, the little one can send him short messages, like asking for “pasalubongs.”

Although it might look inconsequential, but using these as simple reminders can help you visualize that someone is anticipating your arrival. The thought of your family can make you more forgiving of others’ actions on the road.

Know your limitations

Finally, it’s important to know your limitations.

Should you engage in a road rage incident, are you prepared to defend yourself? How fit are you to take on the average — angry — Filipino man? Do you have an answer should the other driver pulls out a bat? What if the other person is carrying a gun?

Likewise, how far can you stretch it financially? Are you ready to pay for the damages?

These are some of the questions to ask before you let your anger take over. Knowing that everything has a limit can make you stop and think twice about unbuckling your seatbelt and opening your door.

Final thoughts

Drivers must constantly be reminded that the use of our roads is a privilege, not a right. It is our responsibility to practice patience, empathy, and mindfulness to reduce the risk of road rage.

In doing so, we keep everyone safe and help promote a healthier road environment.

Also read: 

How to prepare your motorcycles for the rainy season

Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?

Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?

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