By C1 Staff
Road rage – everyone gets it, and with a high-stress job like being a corrections officer, it’s easy for that last straw to break while you’re either anticipating work or driving home after a long shift. Here are some tips to keep yourself calm and cool, instead of trying to cut off the driver in front of you.
Don’t personalize other people’s bad driving
If someone else is driving badly, it’s not your fault. Maybe they’re stressed, distressed, or upset. If you end up driving behind someone who’s too slow, or someone who’s tailgating you, take a moment to remind yourself that their bad driving is nothing you can control. But you can control your own – so stay calm. Don’t create a bigger problem by getting mad. Focus on the road, and getting to your destination.
Be a compassionate and empathetic driver
Maybe the other person is driving badly because they are going to a funeral, or to the hospital to see a loved one. There are countless reasons why someone might be driving badly. Rather than thinking “that person’s driving like an idiot, and that makes me angry!” you can offer the driver the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they’re trying to respond to an emergency. Regardless, their bad driving is not your problem.
Stay at peace and positive while driving
Visualize feeling at peace and staying calm while driving. Say positive affirmations, which are useful both behind the wheel and throughout your day. They might sound stupid, but when you say them aloud over and over, you’ll start to believe what you’re saying and then also feel what you’re saying.
- I am getting calmer while driving
- I can stay peaceful when I encounter bad drivers.
- I can choose my emotions and I choose to feel calm when I am around bad drivers.
Don’t expect other drivers to always be courteous
Others often let us down when we have expectations. Others don’t always have to let us into that lane we need to switch to; others don’t always match the speed we want to go. It’s better to accept that there will be some drivers who are rude, pushy, distracted and so on. It’s better if you focus on your own driving. Stick to your own expectations, and let others worry about themselves.
Think of the consequences of road rage
Venting your frustration can feel great, but there are some major consequences when it comes to letting our road rage get the better of us. It can result in high blood pressure, stress, and even a car accident. Road rage can be fatal. Are a few moments or minutes of discomfort worth potentially losing your life? Again, focus on your own driving; stay defensive, not aggressive.
Remember the benefits of staying calm while driving
When you’re calm, you feel happier and thus have a more pleasant drive. You lessen the risk of having an accident, keeping others in the car with you safe, and avoid injury in a potential accident. You also avoid a potential criminal record and jail time!
Be a safe and courteous driver
Driving safely lessens the chance of getting into a fight or argument with another driver. Let other people into your lane if they need to change into it, if you can. Use blinkers to notify others that you need to change lanes, and when you are moving between lanes, do so smoothly. Don’t tailgate. Stick to the speed limit – you’ll get where you’re going.
What tips do you use to avoid road rage?