Deflect road rage by keeping emotions in check

Ian Law

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

There are many motoring scenarios that can stir the emotions.

A drive on a beautiful winding country road, with the sun shining and the air fresh, may inspire elation. Conversely, encountering a selfish or careless driver can easily spark anger.

At the racetrack, it can be costly to lose focus for even a split second. Allowing your emotions to rule on a spectacular pass or taking a corner "flat out" for the first time can spell disaster. It's critical to concentrate intensely while competing and either celebrate or contemplate only after the checkered flag falls.

I realize we are merely human and perhaps only Mr. Spock from Star Trek could operate a vehicle with no emotional involvement, but not letting emotions cloud the objective is one aspect of safe driving that is rarely addressed.

Anger is a destructive emotion that unfortunately becomes part of the driving experience much too often. Just look at the incident this week in which a raging driver tried to run another car off the road and plunged into the Humber River.

Many drivers feel anger after finding themselves being cut off or disrespected in some way. The need to retaliate or to make the other driver understand or even "pay" for the misdeeds can lead to various driving infractions, unnecessary risk-taking and possibly fatal consequences.

We have to understand that any time we have been "wronged" by another driver – whether it be tailgating, being cut off or simply not driving up to our standards – it isn't personal. These actions are likely due only to a lack of consideration or ability. Getting angry as a result is unhealthy, a waste of energy and will only make a bad situation worse.

Trying to "educate" the other driver of their misdeeds or attempting to exact revenge only puts you and others in danger.

Every driver has at some time unintentionally cut off another, or followed another vehicle too closely. In other words, most drivers have been perpetrators as well as victims of aggravated driving situations.

Many drivers will be unaware of their alleged offence. Some will refuse to believe they committed any wrongdoing or simply won't care. In any case, letting the situation become emotional will only make it worse.

Going to the opposite end of the emotional spectrum can also have a dangerous influence on your safety. Laughing or feeling elated is good for one's soul and health, but can also distract you from driving. It can even bring you to tears, which can affect vision. I love to laugh as much anyone, but I know I must fight to keep my concentration on driving so I can live to laugh another day.

Chatting with passengers can also be hazardous – it can lead to missing traffic information that's vital to safe driving.

Socializing is an important part of any teenager's life, but when adolescents gather together, especially in a vehicle, it can turn to disaster. The driver needs to focus on driving and hold off on socializing until all have arrived safely.

Another danger many drivers overlook is driving while emotionally distraught. When faced with a blow such as the death of someone close, have someone drive for you until you come to grips with your emotions. It will make the trip safer for you and others.

CONGRATULATIONS GTA! I am impressed with how GTA drivers have responded to the new law banning hand-held electronic devices while driving. Each day, I observe a large number of drivers in the GTA and before the law was passed, I would easily see a couple of dozen drivers and truckers visibly engaged in cellphone conversations while driving. In the first two days of the new law, I only saw a few drivers using a hand-held phone while driving. I sincerely hope it continues to improve.

Now if only we can achieve that success with lane discipline.

www.carcontrolschool.com

More videos from Wheels.ca and our partners