What Are The Causes Of Road Rage And How Can I Avoid Them?

Emotions can play a huge role in how we operate our vehicles. Many drivers have heard the term “Road Rage”, and this references angry emotions that a driver may experience while they are behind the wheel and how it affects their driving. Road Rage is frenzied anger while driving and can be caused by collisions or poor driving habits. Raging drivers often believe they have been deliberately or accidentally crossed by other road users and seek vengeance on the believed miscreant. A survey of 1,522 participants conducted by InsuranceHotline.com found that 95% of Ontario Drivers admit to aggressive driving and raging behind the wheel. At Trubicars our goal is to share our knowledge and driving experience with you. We believe and emphasize to our students that it is your duty as an operator of a motorized vehicle to ensure that you remain safe and responsible behind the wheel. We also believe that you should maintain a calm and positive attitude while you are driving. We have gathered information about what causes road rage and how you can avoid raging on the road.

What Constitutes Road Rage?

Since every person reacts differently to situations and experiences emotions differently, it’s hard to say how all drivers will react to being wrong behind the wheel. However, it’s typically common that drivers’ behavior becomes unpredictable when drivers are unable to control their vehicles, themselves and their emotions. Some typical displays of road rage includes:

• Yelling/Screaming
• Blaring the Horn
• Flashing their high-beams
• Rude hand gestures (flipping someone off)
• Tailgating
• Blocking traffic
• Purposely cutting other drivers off and failing to indicate
• Speeding
• Weaving in and out of lanes
• Instigating Conflict outside of the vehicle

Now that we’ve identified some indicators of Road Rage, what causes Road Rage?

Since every person experiences different emotions, there are many factors that can contribute to Road Rage. Some drivers may be getting behind the wheel while they’re already wound up. They might’ve had a frustrating day at work, or they might’ve gotten into a dispute with a loved one. Sometimes, road rage can appear out of nowhere and be triggered by other drivers’ poor driving habits. Road Rage becomes serious when you decide to deliberately seek out revenge against another driver. Some causes behind road rage include (but are not limited to)

• Being in a negative mindset before driving: As we stated before, emotions can play a role in how we operate our vehicles. A driver’s attitude can make a difference between driving safely on the road and driving dangerously. It’s important to maintain a positive attitude as it is imperative to make smart choices on the road. When we have a positive attitude while driving, we can best react to any situation that we come across on the road.
• Distracted Driving: When you are operating a motorized vehicle, your attention should stay on the road because accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. If you are driving distracted and are swerving in and out of your lane, other drivers may become irritated and direct road rage toward you.
• High Volume of Traffic: Sitting in stop-and-go traffic (or any kind of traffic) can be frustrating, many road users understand that traffic is part of their daily commute however, for other road users, high volumes of traffic can be a trigger for road rage.
• Anonymity: More often than not, you don’t know the driver of the vehicle behind you, in front of you or beside you. Due to this, many road users think they can get away with aggressive forms of driving and get away with engaging in road rage.

Trubicars has gathered some tips for you to consider to help you avoid Road Rage.

• Give yourself time: You should always give yourself extra time to get where you need to go safely.
• Avoid forms of Aggressive Driving: Be sure to practice safe driving habits while you are behind the wheel. Avoid Speeding or tailgating.
• Keep a Positive Attitude: As stated before, a driver’s attitude can make a difference between driving safely on the road and driving dangerously Positive attitudes while driving can also impact other road users as well by setting a good example as to how they should be using the roads as well.
• Ignore Bad Drivers: You must remember that you can only control how you drive, and you can only react to how other drivers drive. If another road user displays any form of aggressive driving, instead of getting even try to keep calm and give yourself some distance from that driver.
• Practice Good Communication: Having good communication skills on the road allows you to somewhat predict how other road users interact with the road. Always ensure that you are communicating with other road users in a positive manner. Good communication for road users can include proper use of indicators, or using friendly hand gestures.
• Eliminate Distractions: Any activity that you engage in that takes your attention away from the road is considered Distracted Driving. If something requires your immediate attention while you are driving, safely pull over to the side and deal with the issue accordingly, making sure that you will not be distracted.

It’s important to remember that driving is a privilege NOT a right. At Trubicars, our goal is to share our knowledge and driving experience with you and emphasize to our students that driving is a big responsibility. It is your duty as an operator of a motorized vehicle to ensure that you remain safe and responsible behind the wheel, not just for your sake, but for the sake of others. Engaging in Road Rage can be very dangerous. If you are looking for more information on What are the causes of Road Rage and how to avoid them, check out the Trubicars website!: