I used to have a horrible case of road rage that started almost as soon as I earned my driver’s license and lasted midway through college. The thing that changed me into a more docile driver? A spike in the price of gasoline and the following bits of advice:

5 Tips for Battling Road Rage:

1. Planning- It helps if you have reviewed and know the route to a destination in advance as most people are prone to becoming frustrated and/or angry once they realize that they are lost or have no clue where they are going.
2. Competition- Often times, I’ll catch myself saying out loud, “This person doesn’t know how to drive…they should’ve known better than to make a left turn there..” Rather than trying to educate other drivers on how to be better drivers, leave this to the police.
3. Threats- If, for some reason, you are the victim of someone else’s road rage to the point where both of your vehicles are stopped and they have gotten out of the car, lock your doors and stay in your vehicle. If you have a cell phone, now would be a good time to call the police if you haven’t already done so.
4. Following- If you are being followed or think you are being followed, the first place that you should drive is to a local police station. If you are not sure of where there is a police station, phone the police from your vehicle or keep driving until you reach a well-lit area that is populated with onlookers who may be able to help.
5. Air- If you feel a fit of road rage coming, open up the windows in your car and take a few deep breaths. Music is also a great distraction.

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