Earlier today, I left the gym for the quick 5 minute drive back to my apartment.  It should’ve been a seamless ride with little problems, but on that little drive, I counted five instances in which I was almost witness to an accident.

I certainly can’t speak for all drivers, but the way in which some people conduct themselves as “responsible” drivers is infuriating to me.  Is there any reason why a person should be in such a rush that they tailgate the person in front of them who is already tailgating the person in front of them who is already tailgating the person in front of them so that when the person in front suddenly decides at the last minute that they want to cut across two lanes of traffic, it almost causes a multiple car pileup on the road?!

Unbelievable.  That being said, there are several ways that we can improve road rage, and it starts by learning how to be more responsible drivers:

1. Obey Traffic Signals-  If a light is green and you are approaching it from a distance, approach it cautiously or as they say in the driver’s manual: “Approach a lame green light with caution.”  You never know when the light will change, forcing you to react.
2. Leave Ample Room-  Even if you’re in a rush, tailgating the person in front of you isn’t going to make them go faster.  If anything, it will make them nervous, which may cause them to brake, which will cause you to hit them.
3. Turn it Off- There is no real reason that anyone needs to use their cell phones while driving.  Remember the good ol’ days before we even had cell phones?  People survived, and so will you.  Turn it off while you’re driving because it’s just a distraction.  If you really need to use it, pull over or park somewhere and then have your conversation.
4. Pay Attention- There is a lot of stuff going on outside your vehicle while you’re driving.  It is important to not only focus on what’s in front of you, but also what’s on either side of you as well as what’s behind you.  Being more aware of your surroundings will help you be a more defensive and less aggressive driver.
5. Take a Breather- If something is emotionally upsetting you (i.e. you just got into a fight with your partner or spouse), take a few deep breaths before you high-tail it out the front door and into the front seat of your car.  More accidents are caused each year by people who are “driving while emotional”.

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