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It may start with a lewd hand gesture, swearing or a threat from one driver to another. The incident could escalate to a use of force or even a weapon. "Road rage" is a term that has come to be used for aggressive drivers who lose their tempers in traffic. The rager may threaten or injure another driver, or use his or her vehicle to retaliate.
People who feel pressured and out of control may resort to "road rage." They may feel stressed from having to rush between home and work, picking up children or getting to appointments. Traffic jams can add to the frustration. If someone or something is seen as "in the way," feelings of anxiety or anger may erupt.
Although most people would not think of cursing at someone in a grocery store, they may feel free to do so when driving past a stranger. The angry driver may feel anonymous - and thus not accountable. The human element may be lost on the road.
Recurring road rage may be linked to a psychiatric problem called intermittent explosive disorder. This involves a pattern of sudden, angry episodes that are usually out of proportion to the event.
What to do when an angry driver strikes
- Practice good driving to avoid the rage of others. Don't be distracted by talking on your cell phone, eating, drinking or putting on makeup in the car.
- Put your pride aside. Don't challenge the other driver by speeding up or trying to hold your own. Consider that you may have done something - without knowing it - to upset the other driver. Accidentally cutting off a driver, riding too closely or pulling out in front of someone can trigger rage.
- Avoid anyone who is driving too quickly, slowly or unsafely. It's best to move away from him or her, or let the person pass you.
- Don't make eye contact when someone threatens you. Ignore gestures, and certainly don't return them.
- If you are confronted and you can't get away, stay in your car and lock the doors. Don't roll down the windows or confront the person. Drive toward a populated, well-lit area. Write down the license plate number and make of the car, and call 9-1-1 if you have a mobile phone.
- If you see a driver who presents a real danger, report it. On some highways, there are signs that give you a cell phone number to call to report aggressive drivers.
If you are the one who is raging
- Allow extra travel time to avoid a tight schedule and being rushed. If you get stuck in traffic, keep yourself busy. Listen to a book on tape. Do relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or flexing your muscles.
- Keep your perspective. If someone cuts you off or delays your trip by five seconds or even five minutes, will this matter in two years? In one mile, you save four seconds for each 5-mph increase in speed. Ask yourself if it's worth risking lives - including your own - for that little time.
- Take back your control. Letting others frustrate you gives them power. Don't give others the satisfaction of upsetting you.
- Stay cool. Stress affects your health. It can raise your blood pressure, cause headaches and generally make a bad situation worse. Chronic stress may lead to fatigue, insomnia or more serious health problems.
Frequent episodes of anger, arguments on the road and risky driving may be signs that you need counseling. If you have sudden, explosive outbursts more than three times a year, seek help. Learning how to cope with your anger can save your life, and possibly the lives of others.
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