Road rage is a growing concern for drivers everywhere, causing dangerous situations and making driving very stressful.
The Anti-Road Rage Act, introduced by Florida Robes, a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, states that eight out of 10 drivers in the country admit to displaying aggressive behavior at least once a year, while nine out of 10 drivers perceive aggressive driving as a safety threat.
The pressures of daily life and dealing with traffic can trigger anger and frustration while driving.
Aileen Peteros, district head of the Land Transportation Office – San Carlos City, explained that road rage is not just about feeling angry; it can result in aggressive behaviors such as confrontations with other drivers, sudden lane changes, and tailgating.
She affirmed that learning how to manage anger is important for one’s safety and the safety of others on the roads, sharing 11 effective strategies for managing road rage.
Be responsible on the road. Drive safely and follow traffic rules to protect yourself and others.
“Responsible driving can help prevent unnecessary anger from fellow road users,” Peteros affirmed.
Plan your time effectively. Leave early to avoid rushing, which can reduce stress and prevent aggressive driving.
Prepare yourself for any situation. Stay calm and be ready to handle unexpected events such as traffic jams or road construction.
Practice patience and forgiveness. Allow room for others’ mistakes without reacting negatively, which helps maintain a peaceful driving environment.
“If someone cuts you off, consider that they may be dealing with an emergency,” Peteros advised.
Think of your loved ones. Consider how dangerous or unsafe driving behaviors could affect your family and friends, motivating you to prioritize safety.
Get enough sleep. Ensure that you have sufficient sleep before driving to stay attentive and prevent accidents caused by drowsiness.
Peteros suggests that sufficient rest promotes patience and alertness.
Find effective ways to relax. Use techniques like deep breathing or listening to calming music to stay relaxed while driving.
Give your full attention to driving. Focus solely on the road and avoid distractions such as mobile phones or multitasking, in compliance with Republic Act No. 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Law.
Practice kindness and generosity. Show courtesy to fellow drivers, such as letting others merge or giving way to encourage everyone to work together well while driving.
Remember surveillance. Drive as if someone you respect is watching you.
Peteros stated that irresponsible actions could be recorded on closed-circuit television (CCTV) or dashcams and potentially lead to public criticism or legal consequences.
Know yourself and manage aggression. Recognize personal triggers and tendencies toward aggression to effectively avoid them and prevent road rage incidents.
Awareness of these tendencies is crucial for maintaining responsible driving habits.
It can be recalled that in Bagong Pilipinas, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged Filipino drivers to observe self-discipline.
Javy Bautista, a 27-year-old residing in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, asserted that being an irresponsible driver can lead to various negative consequences.
“I prioritize road courtesy and discipline to protect the lives of everyone who shares the road with me. Every time I drive on the highways, I remind myself of the weight of that responsibility,” he shared.
Being a responsible driver is not only important for your safety but also for the well-being of everyone sharing the road with you.
Hence, keep our temper in check while driving as failure to overcome stress will result in road rage. By Jenrie C. Del Rosario
