Road rage is even more common than you think. According to a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, about 8 million drivers admit to some pretty extreme behaviors when they get behind the wheel of their vehicles. Nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, and just overall road rage at least once during the past year. The actions included ramming another vehicle purposely, or even getting out of their car to combatively confront another driver. Sadly, 30 murders annually are linked to road rage.
“Inconsiderate driving, bad traffic and the daily stresses of life can transform minor frustrations into dangerous road rage,” said Jurek Grabowski, Director of Research for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Far too many drivers are losing themselves in the heat of the moment and lashing out in ways that could turn deadly.”
Do you have road rage?
Take the following test to find out if you are looking to duke it out with folks on the road who annoy you.
1) If a vehicle in front of you is moving slowly, do you…
a) Honk until your hands hurt
b) Get slightly miffed but wait until you can safely pass
2) A motorist cuts you off, what do you do?
a) Give him the middle finger and offer up a few choice words about their mother
b) Let them go on their merry way and just keep it moving
3) The traffic signal turned green and a few vehicles in front hesitated before they moved, how long do you wait before you start honking?
a) Exactly one second because they are holding me up
b) At least 10 seconds or more so that they can gear up to move
4) What does road rage mean to you?
a) Nothing but an uncontrollable temper explosion
b) Aggressive driving
5) How often do you find yourself switching lanes because vehicles are moving slowly?
a) I have got to keep it moving, no time for slow pokes!
b) If a lane is super slow then I’ll look to make a move; if I’m not rushed, I’ll just hang
6) If someone is driving slow as molasses, I…
a) Let them know by cursing them out
b) Just ignore them and go about my business
7) You’re driving within the speed limit but other motorists are pissed off at you, do you…
a) Get into a shouting and middle finger match
b) Just move over to the slow lane
8) When you finally get home after a drive, how is your blood pressure?
a) Probably high as heck because I involve myself in too much road drama
b) Probably normal because I try to drive stress-free
Mostly As:
You have a serious case of road rage! You’re in a constant hurry and your road manners are atrocious. Cursing, giving other drivers the bird, and honking consistently does not make other motorists better drivers.
Mostly Bs:
You try to remain cool when you drive and refuse to allow other driver’s annoyances get to you. You do get slightly peeved at driver stupidities but it is not lasting. You don’t use bully tactics on anyone else on the road, so there is no rushing or rudeness involved in your driving habits. Safety is key while you’re on the road and keeping sane is your goal.
Reel in your anger!
If you find yourself falling prey to your own road rage, try the following exercises to bring your anger meter down to zero:
- Don’t take another driver’s actions personally.
- Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks you love to improve your mood.
- Breathe slowly and deeply to calm down.
- Count from 1 to 10 before you react emotionally to the situation.
- Focus on getting to your destination and seeing your loved ones.
