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There are few people who can claim to always keep their cool behind the wheel, but things can turn ugly when drivers start to express their frustration and anger in the car.
Here are some tips to help you stay calm, safe, out of trouble and hopefully avoid the boiling point that can lead to road rage.
Plan ahead – allow yourself enough time for the journey so you don’t get stressed about being late.
Keep cool – use your windows and air-con to prevent yourself from getting hot, bothered and irritable.
Stay alert – if you’re tired and lose concentration, your reactions to any given situation on the road aren’t going to be at their best and you’ll be compromising your own safety as well as that of other road users.
Breathe – if you feel yourself losing it, take deep breaths and try to relax. If you can’t relax in the car, pull over at the next rest stop and stretch your legs for a bit.
Lock the doors and open windows as little as possible – especially when you’re driving through town or in slow-moving traffic. If someone does try to get in, beep your horn to attract attention.
Avoid eye contact and try not to react – a driver who is hassling you could see this as confrontational.
Head for safety – if a driver is bothering you or you think you’re being followed, drive to a police station or busy place to ask for help.
Flash your lights, blast your horn, make a rude gesture, speed up, swerve or slow down aggressively, tailgate or undertake someone with whom you’re angry.
Not only could these actions make you lose control of your car, although you may get a reaction, it will rarely be the reaction you want.
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