Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 25th February 2015

On the road you will come across a number of different drivers, and the reality is that some are far more responsible than others. One common problem you may find yourself having to deal with is road rage. If unprepared, it can be a really stressful and often scary experience coming up against a driver suffering from extreme road rage. Below you’ll discover the best way to deal with this problem and how to reduce your own stress levels at the same time.

Control your own reactions 

You cannot control how other drivers react, however you can control your own actions and brush up on knowledge with practice online. When faced with irresponsible drivers, it is tempting to show your frustration. This could mean beeping the horn, making hand gestures or trying to race the other car to prove a point.

The trouble is, if you are dealing with somebody who has road rage, these behaviours will simply irate them further. As reported by the DMV, this could create a hazardous situation. The best thing you can do is to stay calm. Avoid any temptation to get into a competition with the other driver. It is only natural to want to vent about the experience, but out on the road is not the best time. 

Take a deep breath and then commit to dealing with the other driver’s bad driving habits when you safely reach your destination. If you’re being tailgated, never allow yourself to be bullied into speeding up. Simply pull over where possible and allow the driver to take over.

Know the law 

So you’re driving along in your new car you got in a great deal, feeling on top of the world. The next thing you know, you’re being cut up by another idiotic driver. Before you react, it helps if you understand the laws regarding dangerous driving habits. Did you know for example, that there are tough laws when it comes to tailgating, lane hogging, pushing other cars when you’re at a roundabout and overtaking and forcing yourself into a queue? The police are now able to issue up to 3 points on a driver’s license or a £100 fine for any of these behaviours. So if you do notice another driver participating in these habits, before you get angry, phone the police.

Curbing your own road rage 

If you’re the one who has problems when it comes to road rage, there are a few tips you can follow to reduce your frustration. Firstly you should never set off driving when you’re emotionally upset or angry. Another useful tip, as highlighted on the ROSPA website, is to plan your journey ahead of time. Accommodate for any unexpected traffic so you don’t end up frustrated if there are any delays. 

Overall road rage is a common problem and it can lead to hazardous situations. The key is to keep calm. If you are faced with an irate driver, avoid the urge to pull over and confront them. If you feel they are driving dangerously, inform the police. You need to be concerned with not only your own safety, but the safety of other drivers and pedestrians around you.

In this speedy auto feature, we provide help and tips on How to Deal with and stop Road Rage.