How to reduce anger while driving: it’s an important topic. Some people jump to anger very quickly while behind the wheel. This can lead to dangerous situations, both for the person in question and for other road users.

Driving can be a stressful activity. Some people are highly strung in general, due to life circumstances and/or psychological issues. A lot of highly strung drivers see other road users as either a threat or competition. Even normally relaxed and calm people can find stress and anger bubbling up inside themselves while driving in certain high-pressure situations.

Being in charge of a large and potentially lethal machine is a massive responsibility. When drivers allow stress to get the better of them and anger takes hold, they are being irresponsible drivers. Irresponsible driving can (and does, with tragic regularity) lead to injury, disability, and death.

Every one of us is susceptible to stress and at least some level of anger. But driving while angry is dangerous, so it is crucial that we all learn to manage our emotions while behind the wheel. Read on for our top tips on anger management while driving.

Why Do I Get So Angry When I Drive?

Driving can be an emotional experience. There are a lot of sources of stimulation that can trigger anger in a person while they are on the road. Anger is a natural emotion that arises as a reaction to a threatening stimulus in the environment. It can also arise when a person’s attitude is such that they feel threatened even when there is no actual threat.

The main reasons you get angry when you drive are:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Blaming other drivers for their actions
  • Shame, guilt, and self-blame, which can manifest as anger
Disabled Parking - vehicle accident
Image by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay: Angry driving leads to car crashes.

Why Is It Important To Keep Anger In Check While Driving?

It is very important to keep anger in check while driving because it can result in aggressive driving, accidents, injury, and even death. Staying calm and collected, and not getting angry, will mean you are more likely to drive in a safe manner. This means you and all other road users will have a better chance of staying safe, healthy, and alive.

What Can You Do To Manage Your Emotions While Driving?

There are several effective ways that you can manage your emotions while driving. These include:

  • Not taking the actions of other people personally
  • Increasing your levels of empathy
  • Encouraging calmness by meditating, staying physically healthy, getting enough sleep
  • Never driving while too tired
  • Listening to calming and soothing music while you drive

How Do I Stop My Road Rage Anger?

Anger management when driving is super important. Here are six tips for managing anger and staying calm, collected, and safe behind the wheel.

1. Leave Plenty Of Time To Get To Your Destination

Being in a hurry is very stressful. If you are running late, you tend to feel tense and anxious. This means you will be emotionally on edge and prone to anger while driving. To avoid anger and stay calm, it is advisable to leave plenty of time to get to your destination.

2. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained

A badly maintained vehicle is stressful to drive, and this stress can easily turn into anger. Reduce the possibility of angry driving by making sure your vehicle is properly maintained and in good working order.

3. Have All The Adaptive Driving Equipment You Need

Driving a vehicle that does not have the exact adaptive driving equipment you need can be an unpleasant and stressful experience for disabled drivers. Driving under this type of stress makes it easier for anger to arise. To avoid this, make sure you have all the adaptive driving equipment that you need, and that it’s all in working order.

Disabled Parking - road rage
Image by paje victoria on Pixabay: How do I stop my road rage anger? Follow our top tips.

4. Practice Safe Defensive Driving

If you drive safely and defensively, you will be less likely to get into altercations with other drivers. This will mean you have a better chance of staying calm and anger-free while driving.

5. Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

An excellent way to manage your anger is to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT targets the faulty thinking that often leads to irrational emotional reactions, such as excessive anger. If you can improve your thinking using CBT, you will be much less likely to get angry.

6. Stay Physically And Psychologically Healthy

Stress, tension, and anger are less likely to arise when you are physically and psychologically healthy. Stay as healthy as possible by getting plenty of physical exercise, eating a nutritious diet, meditating, and sleeping well.

Featured image by Tobi on Pexels