While most people are aware of the hazards of road rage, it’s crucial to remember that a range of emotions can impact our driving capabilities. From sheer excitement to deep-rooted anxiety, our feelings can sometimes take the wheel instead of our senses. Here are strategies to ensure emotions don’t hijack your driving judgment.
THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF ELATION
Surprisingly not just negative vibes, but even sheer joy can alter our driving behaviour. Imagine you’re on a drive with buddies or on the verge of announcing exhilarating news – the upbeat tunes from your playlist can inadvertently lead you to speed up. Revel in the journey, but keep those distractions in check.
MENTAL GEAR CHECK BEFORE IGNITION
Before you kickstart your drive, take a short pause. Engage in a couple of deep breaths to centre yourself. Recognize anything that could spur feelings of exhilaration, annoyance, or unease. Make a conscious effort to redirect your focus to driving safely.
TUNE INTO THE ROAD’S PULSE
Arm yourself with the knowledge of what lies ahead by skimming through traffic updates and weather predictions. Feeling jittery about navigating through packed roads or unfavourable weather? Mull over a different route or strategy. If driving is unavoidable, employ relaxation tactics to steady your nerves.
BEAT THE CLOCK, THE WISE WAY
The anxiety of tardiness can spark impulsive decisions on the road. If there’s an unavoidable deadline ensure you give yourself a generous time buffer to cater to unforeseen hindrances. In scenarios where punctuality isn’t pressing, come to terms with the eventuality of a minor delay.
Lastly, a well-maintained vehicle can minimize potential stressors. When’s the last time you gave your car a check-up?