Road Rage

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

The media has published a lot of information recently about road rage. I really don’t think that I have a mental disease but rather a mind set that sets me up for trouble when I get in the car. Can you please write a column on this topic and make some suggestions for me.

-A reader in Colorado

Dear Reader:

St. Basil, a fourth century religious figure, called anger a kind of temporary madness. Individuals suffering from road rage are more likely to speed, tailgate, fail to yield, weave in and out of traffic, pass on the right, make improper lane changes, run stop signs and lights, make hand and facial gestures, scream, honk, and flash their lights. Some individuals with road rage may suffer from a form of mental disorder but others with less severe problems may not warrant a psychiatric diagnosis.

In some instances, the most effective way to begin to control this problem is to take several moments prior to starting the car to rehearse mentally a healthy set of feelings and behaviors. After relaxing by taking several deep breaths, imagine and verbalize, out loud if necessary, the importance of driving safely in an often inherently dangerous situation. Further, practice stating to yourself that rude and reckless drivers are non-discriminating, uncivilized individuals with impaired judgment and a lousy temperament.

Let these high risk drivers pass you or move into another lane away from them if possible. Also, unexpected inconveniences such as traffic jams, roads under construction, automobile accidents, and other annoyances are no reason to endanger yourself or others by acting impulsively or with a lot of anger. We live in a society where time urgency and stress are often a way of life. Speeding and driving recklessly is the norm for many individuals. Feeling entitled and wanting to be the “king of the road” and exhibiting bullying behavior contribute to impaired driving. You won’t often change these people by entering into a deadly automobile dual with them.

I personally feel that we live in a culture where courtesy, empathy, making good choices and correct decisions is not at a premium, and these problems result in creating unhealthy behavior. Make strict vigilance and focus, proper risk management, good planning, and a good dose of the golden rule, habits to make your driving experience safer and less stressful.