It shouldn’t come as a surprise that driving when high on your emotions is not safe for you or for others on the road. According to a study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers who are observably sad, angry, crying, or emotionally agitated, increase their risk of crashing by almost ten times.
There are many reasons why you may be emotional when driving. You may have gotten some bad news; you may be running late to work; you may have just gotten fired. Any of these reasons could have you driving aggressively and recklessly.
Here are a few things you can do to regain control and remain safe.
Slow Down
The first thing you want to do when you feel yourself translating your emotions into your driving, is slow down. In spite of the stress or pressure you may be under, don’t risk your own safety and the safety of others by driving fast and recklessly. Aggressive and speeding drivers, contribute to more than half of the five million yearly car crashes in the United States.
Take a Deep Breath or Two
Deep breathing is a technique used by meditation and yoga professionals to calm their nerves. The good thing is, it’s so easy, anyone can do it. Whenever you feel like you’re being overwhelmed by your emotions when driving, take a moment to breathe in deeply and calm yourself.
Take Your Mind Off What’s Upsetting You
While it may not be the easiest feat to achieve, getting your mind off the thing that’s bothering you should go a long way in calming you down. Focus on the road, the music playing in your car.
Have Someone Else Drive
If you’re traveling with a licensed driver who is in a calmer mental state than you are, having them drive is the safe thing to do. Nothing is worth risking safety.
Do you live in Tempe, Scottsdale, or Avondale and feel the need to take defensive driving classes to combat aggressive driving tendencies?
Jacob’s Driving & Traffic School in Phoenix has been in the business for the last 10 years. We offer Arizona State approved courses that are comprehensive and practical. As a top-tier driving school, we offer the highest standard of driving education in the region. Book a driving lesson now or call (602) 297-1000.
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