Road Rage: 10 Tips That May Help Calm You Down

     Road rage is somethings that has affected almost everyone at one point or another. For some it's just giving a dirty look but to others well we've seen some great videos of how it can affect someone. It's crazy to see how some of the calmest people in everyday life are transformed when the get behind the wheel. If you are susceptible to angry episodes when you're behind the wheel of your vehicle, here are ten tips on how to stay calm and avoid road rage while driving.

1. Breathe - Unfortunately it's inevitable that we're all going to encounter aggressive or reckless drivers whose actions put us in a state of unease or worse, they can be a danger to our safety on the road. As we all know, it's best not to react but sometimes the urge can become overwhelming. The first simple step involves breathing. Deep breaths in and out are well known relaxation techniques that work at all times even when you are behind the wheel.
2. Laugh - This is a common suggestion for anyone that is embroiled in a road rage situation. Even if you don't feel like breaking out into smiles. try and force yourself into doing so. It's odd how the muscle memory tricks you into laughing and seeing the funny side of any situation.
3. Turn On The Radio - Divert your attention by listening to your favorite station or have a tape or CD on hand that has your most relaxing piece of music for the most stressful situation.
4. Think of the Perfect Evening - Turn your attention away from any incident and on to the evening you had planned. Maybe you're having your favorite meal or relaxing with someone special. Even if you haven't made any plans, turn your attention towards a relaxing event and make time for it as a form of reward.
5. Ignore It - Assume that the driver who has been the subject of your displeasure is really turning their anger towards someone else is a good step to consider. Simply thinking of it as someone else's issue can help the anger subside. He may have mistaken you for another vehicle.
6. Look At Your Driving - It certainly is worth considering your own driving to see it there is anything you've done to enrage another driver. If your honest, you'll know if you made an error that may have attributed to the situation, so keep that in mind. If it's a common issue with your style of driving, then you must address it.
7. Move Over - If you have an aggressive driver tailgating you then maybe the most sensible thing to do is to let them by. By holding your own you do nothing to calm the situation. It would certainly make you calmer when the driver is off your back.
8. Drive Defensively At All Times - Avoid aggressive driving, as it will only take you into situations where road rage could become an issue. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination without having to hurry because you maybe late.
9. Don't Make Eye Contact - This is arguably the worst move you can make in any situation. If you are the victim of road rage then eye contact will only enrage the other driver especially if the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are trying to stay calm yourself, eye contact will only serve to stir those feelings of anger even further. 
10. Keep Your Distance - If you feel yourself becoming impatient by someone else's driving, hang back from the other driver and don't be tempted to tailgate. Simply maintaining your own space can lead to calmer, safer driving.