We all see the billboards and advertisements telling us to avoid road rage. If you’re like me, you glance at these ads and never think they apply to you. But, take a minute to stop and think about how aggressively you might be driving. From speeding to tailgating, these actions all contribute to aggressive driving behaviors. There are differentiating opinions on road rage vs. aggressive driving, but both have negative effects on drivers’ safety and your overall health.
Many elements factor into aggressive driving. One of the main sources is traffic. Congested roadways and slow traffic causes everyone frustration on the road. Next time you’re stuck in a traffic jam, try and be conscious of how you react. Do you find yourself yelling at the cars around you to move faster? Do you rush through the yellow stop lights? Stay observant of your actions and reactions while you drive, and you might just discover you have some aggressive driving tendencies. Follow these simple tips to help reduce your stress level on the road and stay calm behind the wheel!
- Get enough sleep. We all know how cranky people can get when they’re tired, which can translate over onto the road. I know this is not the easiest task to complete sometimes, but getting in those eight hours of sleep is so important. This will help reduce your stress level and improve your overall health.
- Breathe. If you notice yourself tensing up or clenching the wheel, loosen up. Focus on your breathing and relax.
- Plan ahead. Don’t try and make up for time on the road just because you left late. Give yourself enough time to get where you’re going and avoid speeding.
- Turn down your music. While blasting your favorite song might be therapeutic for you in some fashion, turning down the volume will benefit you in many ways, even if you don’t realize it. It will reduce your stress level and improve your safety on the road!
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