If you drive, then you have most likely experienced road rage. Whether it was you yourself dodging between cars and yelling or you were the victim of someone else driving belligerently; it’s not only annoying and rude, it’s also dangerous. Although I have been driving since I was 15 years old, it was only recently that I have been able to drive consistently. Now I see that although it is freeing to be able to go wherever I want, it’s also stressful having to deal with people who are aggressive and angry on the road. Those situations create a lot of anger and anxiety in me that I often have to work through; road rage is common, unfortunately, and for now, unavoidable.

Overcrowding (big cities, tiny streets) is one factor that can lead to road rage: everyone is rushing to work while simultaneously trying to make sure their vehicle is not damaged. All of that adrenaline can create rage in a person. One tip to avoid road rage is to stay calm; again the adrenaline is what gets your blood boiling, but if you stay calm, you are less likely to get angry. You should also keep in mind that the person who is angry is really upset with situations aside from your driving; there is a reason why they are rushing or angry already, so try not to personalize the issue. Also keep in mind that the chances of you seeing that driver again are extremely rare, and even if you did, chances are you wouldn’t recognize them. So don’t let the moment overtake you, it will pass.