Important Things to Keep in Mind to Keep Your Cool During Your Drive

One undeniable fact: Road rage is never good so Here are 9 TIPS on how to stay calm while on the road.

1. Notice your mood changes
2. Give time to yourself to calm down.
3. Use deep-breathing techniques.
4. Keep your distance
5. Drive defensively
6. Don’t take it personally
7. Get help if you need it
8. Think about the big picture
9. Do not make a big deal out of it

Let Philcarnews.com shows you one by one: 

1. Notice your mood changes

If you are driving and you find an aggressiveness from other people towards you, you will notice changes on yourself like your posture, tone of voice, your heartbeat, your actions and even having lousy thought like vengeance. You will notice this warning signs if you mentally check yourself.

If you find yourself getting all worked up, it would be best to turn your car air conditioner higher since cold temperature helps you calm down, play a peaceful and slow tune. If you catch yourself as your anger first emerges, you can prevent that anger from turning into aggression or road rage and will save you and others from a lot of trouble.

Your mood plays a big role in sudden road rage; always try to calm down and think of the consequences before taking any further action

2. Give yourself time to calm down

It is essential to stay calmed down on a raging road to prevent the further argument that may lead to a physical attack.

Give yourself some time if you are already being angry or on a bad mood, try parking your car and think of happy thought ,or Count until you calm down If you don't feel better after a minute, try counting for another minute again, one primary key to stop yourself from thinking angry thoughts is giving enough time for you active rage to pass.

If music doesn't work, you can even try hand yoga. It may sound weird, but for some people, it's an excellent way to relieve stress and to calm down

3. Use deep-breathing techniques

Using this deep-breathing exercises can help you calm down and center yourself when you feel tense. Deep breathing is quick and easy and you can even do it while driving, so there’s no need to park your car.

4. Keep your distance

The best way to keep yourself and others from any form of danger is to always keep your distance. This will lessen the accidents, congestion and even road rage. Tailgating increases the risk of a road accident, and it could also trigger the other driver's anger.

It would be best to know the 4 seconds rule, this is where you let the car ahead of you passes a sign or lamp post, and you start counting 0-1-2-3 or 1-2-3-4 and slow down so you don't pass that same post until at least four seconds later.

Always play it safe on the road - always keep a safe distance

5. Drive defensively

If a driver is behaving aggressively, it's best to let that person go first and pass by and be on their way. If that driver is in front of you, you can pay attention to him to ensure your safety.If he's behind you, though, he could follow you or try to escalate things further it would be best to try switching lane and Avoid blocking traffic as much as possible, as this may cause other drivers to grow angry or impatient.

Always remember to be a courteous driver. Be a role model for other drivers by always being calm and by driving defensively

6. Don’t take it personally

Do not take the other drivers’ actions personally.  Most of the time, other drivers on the road are not purposely trying to make you mad or to upset you. they may be just merely careless or not paying enough attention to the road. It would be best to be understanding of other drivers to avoid any unwanted argument.

Remember that we all do mistakes; we are even prone to cutting someone off during a traffic jam, and in this case, it is better to just let it go

7. Get help if you need it

If you think someone is following you and it seems clear that they are about to engage in some act of aggression, it would be best not to go home or to your workplace, it would be better to head off somewhere crowded so they will back off.

Make sure your car doors are locked and all your windows rolled up, do not get out of the car for any confrontation no matter how much another driver tries to antagonize you. Try getting in touch with the police is one possible plan, we know that.

8. Think about the big picture

Think about the big picture, no matter how mad or angry you are or the other driver, focus on getting to your destination safely is the most important goal. If you let your anger take over you as it will only lead into trouble, so keep in mind these tips so that you can avoid being included on a road rage.

9. Do not make a big deal out of it

Don't make a big deal out of it or do not try to escalate the situation further. If you or other drivers are trying to make a confrontation, simply slow down and let them get their way, do not make them upset or try to argue with them because this may lead to road rage and you will only make the situation worst.

Try walking away or turning other cheeks from the situation will help you to prevent any potentially alarming or deadly confrontations with another driver who is experiencing road rage and may not be able to control their action. Don't forget to make a good judgment on the situation, if you need bigger help, it would be best to get a police attention.

Sometimes, it is better to just ignore what happened and try not to make a fuss out of the situation

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