Source: Southern Auto Group
Which US region has the worst road rage?
To see where road rage runs hottest, we looked at the most recent state-level analysis of ConsumerAffairs aggressive-driving crash data. The clearest pattern is regional: the West and the South dominate the worst-offending states, while the Northeast and Midwest are far less represented.
As road rage is likely something most of us have experienced or witnessed, the team at Miami Lakes Automall asked psychologists with expertise in anger why we get road rage and to share their tips on how to manage it.
“We want every driver to feel safe and confident on the road. While we often think about road safety in terms of our vehicles and how we drive, staying calm behind the wheel is just as important. No frustrating interaction with another driver is worth putting yourself or others at risk.”
Why do we get road rage?
Sarah Jeffrie, a Psychologist (MSc) and Mental Health Expert explains that “When you drive, your brain is engaged in high gear as you operate a large and potentially dangerous vehicle at high speed. Anytime you encounter another vehicle cutting you off, tail gating you or behaving erratically it will cause your brain to go into fight/flight mode prior to allowing rational thought. In addition, many drivers arrive at their vehicles carrying a great deal of additional stress stemming from issues related to their job, family, financial situation and/or lack of sleep. Therefore, it does not take much to send these individuals into a rage while operating a motorized vehicle.”
Why does being inside a car make us more confrontational?
“Inside a car, we experience a greater sense of anonymity than if we were to have a face-to-face interaction. Most people wouldn’t yell at someone who cuts them off in line at the supermarket. However, behind the wheel, that same frustration can escalate more quickly because we feel less accountability and are more likely to assume the other driver’s actions were intentional.”
Tips on how to manage road rage when you feel it happening to you
Miami Lakes Automall asked the experts what their tips were for managing road rage.
- Take slow breaths and release physical tension
Firstly, Psychologist Sarah Jeffrie says you should try “Taking a couple deep, slow breathes and loosening the physical tension within the body helps inform the nervous system that the perceived immediate danger has been removed.”
- Pause before assuming malicious intent
Dr. Virginia Chow shares that “One strategy I often recommend is to pause before assuming malicious intent. Instead of thinking, “They did that on purpose,” ask yourself, “Is there another explanation?” They may not have seen you, they could be distracted, or they may even be responding to an emergency.”
- Remember, everyone makes mistakes
“Another strategy is to use perspective taking. Oftentimes, the anger is one-sided and directed towards the “bad” driver when most of us, at one point, have made mistakes on the road. Ask yourself, “Have I ever made mistakes driving in the past? Have I ever unintentionally cut someone off on the road? How might other drivers perceive my mistake?” Remembering our own imperfections can make it easier to extend the same grace to someone else and prevent a moment of frustration from escalating into road rage,” advises Dr. Virginia Chow.
About the company:
Miami Lakes Automall proudly stocks one of the most extensive selections of new and used vehicles for sale in Miami Lakes, FL to ensure every car shopper can find exactly what they are looking for. Make the short trip to our dealership today, conveniently located at 16600 NW 57th Ave, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 and we would love to show you just how enjoyable finding the vehicle of your dreams can be!