Traffic congestion, distracted drivers, running late for something, being angry about something else, and being in no mood for courtesy, all boils down to a potent recipe for rage and aggressive behavior. Road rage is a growing problem. Aggressive driving accounts for more than half of all traffic fatalities. So what causes it and what should you do if you’re the victim of road rage?
Behind the wheel, you’re stripped of the ability to communicate in all but the most primitive ways (honking, inappropriate gestures, flashing high beams). According to psychologist Jamie Madigan, part of the problem has to do with a loss of self-awareness and individual accountability. Take for example online games, message boards, and chat rooms, they leave people more open to being influenced by real or perceived conditions. While anonymity doesn’t automatically make drivers prone to antisocial behavior, it can lead to more aggressive and less inhibited actions. Also, what used to be a largely male problem has now crossed gender lines. Women may not get into roadside fistfights or point guns at others, but they can drive just as dangerously. The AAA Foundation for Traffic analyzed over 10,000 police reports and newspaper articles and found that between 1990 and 1996, road rage contributed to 218 deaths and 12,610 injuries. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that aggressive driving causes about a third of all crashes and about two-thirds of automobile fatalities. Aggressive Drivers need to focus their attention on safe driving, rethink anger-provoking situations in less negative ways, and use calming or deflecting behaviors such as turning on the radio. Jerry Deffenbacher, PhD, has outlined the 5 major characteristics of an aggressive driver, which may help you or someone you know realize they have a problem.
If another driver cuts you off or races by, program your response to, “be my guest.” Instead of making good time, make time good!
If you’re tempted to retaliate against another driver, think: “Would I want to fly on an airplane whose pilot was acting like this?”
Be aware of your driving. Leon James, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Hawaii and author of Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare, recommends watching yourself. What makes you angry? How long do it take you to calm down? Tell yourself, “It was not their fault — it was the guy in front of them.”
Remember, this behavior can cost you in more ways than one. “People don’t think about that,” Markell says. “This can have a high price tag even if no one is hurt or killed — tickets, lawyers, court costs, damage to vehicles, insurance“
In certain circumstances, you may feel like you lose self-esteem or status by giving in and allowing a demanding driver to get his/her way. If the driver continues in the attempt to pass or cut you off, a situation may occur. Anger results when this type of behavior persists, escalates or if he succeeds. Aggressive drivers are highly unpredictable and can be blinded by rage so it’s up to the victim to control the situation. If you are being tailgated, change lanes.
You will be much happier if you learn to enjoy the relaxation of the journey instead of letting yourself grow angry over petty road behavior. Be relaxed, listen to some soothing music, or have a nice conversation with your passengers. When you think of driving, whether it is to work every day or on vacation, don’t think of it as wasted time until you reach your destination. Instead, relax and think of driving as worthwhile and pleasurable.
I entered Concordia in August 2013 with the intention of completing majors in English and history. I was named an Outstanding Student in the English, Communications, and Theatre Arts Department in May 2017. My studies in English encompassed both writing and literature, including Journalistic Editing, Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing, Shakespeare, World Literature I, American Literature II, British Literature III, and Sociolinguistics. I also took an independent study capstone class focused on textual criticism and editing. You can find a detailed list of my college courses here.
I enjoyed taking various classes that were not part of my major but counted toward general education and electives. Courses like Church Art and Architecture, Art History III, Psychology 101, Introduction to Film Criticism, Faith and Life, Introduction to Logic, Astronomy, and Theatre History intrigued me and allowed me to look into subjects that I had not previously learned much about. I appreciated the opportunity I have at Concordia to take various liberal arts classes other than my major as they supplement and deepen my understanding of English and history.
During my college years, I served as the copy editor and managing editor of our campus newspaper, The Sower.
Arts and Culture in Rome, History of Christianity, German 101, Intercultural Communication, and Managing in the Global Economy
Read more about my international experience here or check out my half-started blog about my semester abroad.
I attended Xavier High School, a Catholic high school in Cedar Rapids, IA. While at Xavier, I focused on learning good study habits and how to research and write.
I took upper-level classes and AP classes. I took four years of Spanish, three years of French, and two years of Latin. I joined the newspaper my junior year and wrote news stories; senior year I wrote news stories and copy edited articles.
I played volleyball for two years but had to stop due to various injuries; I then coached volleyball at two local middle schools and for the Cougar Volleyball club for three years.