“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”

This quote perfectly describes people who have succumbed to road rage in the past. However, road rage is a complicated phenomenon and we don’t really think it can be described in just a few words.

Therefore, let’s take an in depth look at what it is and how you can deal with it:

What Is Road Rage?

So let’s start with a trip down the memory lane. The term ‘road rage’ was first coined in the year 1987 after a string of shootings took place on the freeways in Southern California.

Since then, this term has been used to refer to situations in which people lose their temper and start driving their vehicle in an aggressive manner. These drivers don’t just put themselves in danger; they also endanger the lives of other people on the road.

In addition to that, road rage also describes a situation in which the driver acts violently. This includes tailgating a vehicle, confronting other drivers, and driving too fast.

Why Does It Happen?

80% of drivers have admitted that they have reacted aggressively to other drivers at some point in their lives. In order to counter this problem, it is important to identify why it happens in the first place.

Psychologists agree that the root cause of road rage is anger, stress, and anxiety. It’s natural to get frustrated or angry when you find yourself stuck in a challenging situation.

Sometimes, people also lose their temper because they feel disrespected by other drivers. Just think of it this way; you are trying to drive as carefully as possible when all of a sudden a car rushes by and nearly hits you. Anyone can lose their temper in such situations.

In some cases, road rage can also lead to accidents, which result in serious injury and even death.

What Should You Do In These Situations?

If you find yourself in these situations, we suggest that you try to stay calm. Yes, it’s not easy to do so but you should try nonetheless. Know that the other driver is having an emotional reaction and confronting them will only escalate the situation.

We would also suggest that you stay in your vehicle and wait for the officials to arrive. In case of an accident, take mental notes. Give the officials details about how the accident occurred. Some of the details that they would require include vehicle and drivers description.

Another way in which you can avoid this problem is by enrolling in a driving school, which offers defensive driving lessons. Get in touch with us.

We are a driving school based in Scottsdale. Contact us at 602-297-1000 or drop us an email at [email protected]  for further information.

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