It’s all too natural for drivers on the road to get angry when someone in the other lane cuts you off or tries to turn right in front of you. I’ve been guilty on several occasions myself of getting angry when someone tries to cut me off. However, when I feel the blood rushing to my head when another driver tries to make an illegal move, I take a deep breath and realize that road rage won’t get me anywhere. On the contrary, road rage is a terrible thing for drivers everywhere; unfortunately, not many people realize when they’re experiencing road rage and many of them don’t know what to do about it.
But there are several reasons why one shouldn’t give into road rage while they’re driving. One of those reasons includes the law. Many states have enacted legislation that has penalties and other fines for those who go over the top with road rage. If you’ve ever given a certain finger to someone who just cut you off on the highway or to someone who thought they could turn safely in front of you, you not only are committing road rage but you’re also making it easier for yourself to get even more angry at the person or car that you’re mad at.
Safety
Whether you’re concerned with your safety or the safety of the other drivers on the road, committing acts of road rage won’t help you lessen safety on the highway. More than 30,000 motorists die on the highway each year; making yourself vulnerable to road rage only decreases the safety on the highway for you and for all the other motorists. Do yourself a favor and take a deep cleansing breath to make the anger go away. By not giving into road rage you are ensuring the safety of all the other drivers on the road. Just think what would happen if so many people decided not to give into road rage feelings; crashes and fatality rates certainly would go down!
Setting an Example
Another reason why you might be concerned with dealing with road rage feelings effectively would be to set an example for the other people in your car or the other drivers on the road. For example, what lesson would you be teaching the future drivers in your car if all you do is honk when your angry, dish out the middle finger when your furious, and tailgate others when they’ve cut you off? You are only providing an excuse for young children and others to follow in your footsteps and commit the same acts of road rage that you do all so well while driving.
Giving Peace and Tranquility a Chance
Many people find it hard to actually let go of the road rage feelings that they have when their other peer drivers has just made an illegal automobile move. However, it’s time to stop the madness and let go! One person who stops him or herself from experiencing road rage will ultimately create a ripple effect and set a good example for future motorists and people already driving. So take a deep breath, get set, and relax!
