PauloAbad
Road rage is a very serious problem to deal with. And even if you’re not the type of driver who loses cool when stressed inside your sweet car interior, chances are you’ll encounter someone who is. So to help you out, we’ve gathered a few tips that will help you properly deal with these difficult people.
Keep Your Distance
The first thing to do if you sense you’re attracted the unwanted attention of a road-raged driver is to get away from them as soon as possible. After all, there are moments when avoiding a problem is better than confronting it. By ignoring the signals road-raged drivers are sending you, you could end up provoking them further (even if you’re not). So best protect yourself from their drama as soon as you’re able.
Don’t Take It Personally
Next, you need to learn to not take their anger personally. After all, unless you are deliberately provoking them, you’re technically not doing anything wrong. So even while the driver is shooting his mouth off, you should stay polite and courteous. Doing so would help improve the situation, diffuse the tension even. But in case it doesn’t, take a deep breath and get out of their way.
Minimize Your Own Stress
And while you’re in the process of not taking things personally, find ways to reduce your own stress while dealing with road-raged drivers. Adjust your seat position and car climate to make yourself more comfortable. Turn on the radio or player of your own ride and listen to soothing music. And keep in mind that you cannot control the traffic situation, only your reaction to it. By not letting your own stress and anger get the better of you, you’ll be able to get through a dire traffic situation even with a frustrated driver in tow.
Report the Aggressor
But if you think you can’t handle the situation alone (or the road-raged driver is starting to get on your nerves), best find the nearest traffic officer and get help. And in case you can’t find one, you can always dial the MMDA’s hotline number (136) to report the hot-tempered driver beside you. Just be sure to give a good vehicle description, the other car’s plate number, your location, and your travel direction.
You Can Handle It
You’ll always encounter difficult people wherever you are, and the road is no exception. By following the tips above, however, you’ll be able to protect yourself from these hot-tempered motorists while remaining level-headed yourself. And don’t worry about it, you can handle it!