Main factor of Road Rage - Stress

Stress is the sole culprit which makes one loose control, even a person who was considered to be coolheaded in normal situations will loose control under stressful situation. Everybody wants to rush at places as they want to catch up with so many things and have so little time.

When an individual is in a helpless situation say like traffic jam then even a slight provocation can make you loose your temper and their will be huge scene on road and the reason behind the outburst could be anything from getting late to recent argument with the boss etc.

Suppose you are coming back from your office after a hectic day and have to meet a prospective client on way back home then go to attend a function and you know your wife will be all ready to throw her acidic tongue on you. And, suddenly you pick up a speed to and move to the next lane which is moving a bit faster. You are picking up speed and all of a sudden another driver bangs into your car and gives you one of those cold stares along with yelling, shouting bad words at you. The result may be if you are of same type then there will be confrontation on road, physical assault, murder etc and if you are of those silent types then you will just turn away and pick up speed in order to run away but the other one chases you. This is ‘road range.’

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage as below:

" An assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway. "

The incidents that trigger road rage are termed as Mad Max Syndrome such as blowing horns, loud music, tailgating, changing lanes without signals etc. Its just a matter of discourtesy.

As more and more new vehicles are hitting the roads daily the level of incidence of road accidents and mishap and gone up considerably. The time is given up more importance and everybody is trying to run with the time and thus the problem arises which gets worsen in commuting hours. We can’t say it’s a young generation who is involved in road rage but people of all ages are into it. Then things like talking on cell phones, giving dictation while driving do also take the toll.

What are the symptoms of rage driving?

• Driving recklessly and aggressively.

• Throwing angry words on your way or to the passengers of your car.

• Don’t follow the basic traffic rules.

• Put on music at full blast and blowing horn excessively.

• Putting up speed when they see traffic light is about to turn red.

• Throw flashing headlights on the oncoming traffic.

• Follow you too close to scare you or mis balance you.

• Will come to halt with screeching brake all of a sudden.

• Driving at full speed.

• Will change lane at their sweet will.

• Having thought of violence for the other person.

• Not wearing a seat belt.

What you can do to avoid road rage?

Don’t over use horn as sometimes the other takes it to be condemning and insulting. Even if the other person has done a fault be cool and relax don’t utter bad things or don’t make obscene gestures. Always play a soft soothing music in your car at a hearable volume, not too loud. Try to be on your side and if you have to change lane then always give enough signal beforehand. Don’t rush and speed up the vehicle but if you have to reach at a place on time then try to start a bit early rather than starting late and then rushing to get on time. Don’t drink and drive.

If you see any aggressive driver then jot down the number and let the police know about it, may be you got a chance to stay away from trouble but he could take up life of any other person any time due to his reckless driving.

Make your driving a pleasant trip and not some rally driving, enjoy the drive and let others too enjoy their drive……Drive safely