Handling road rages

Cognitive techniques for managing anger and other emotions usually includes modifying one’s expectations of others. If I have the expectation that “everyone should drive defensively,” then I am likely to get upset when I encounter drivers who don’t drive defensively. If I can soften my expectations, then my reaction will also soften. A more reasonable […]

Cognitive techniques for managing anger and other emotions usually includes modifying one’s expectations of others. If I have the expectation that “everyone should drive defensively,” then I am likely to get upset when I encounter drivers who don’t drive defensively. If I can soften my expectations, then my reaction will also soften. A more reasonable expectation might be along the lines of, “it’s good to drive defensively, but I know that there are some road rage out there.”

If you have a problem with road rage, try this technique when you drive:

1. Remind yourself of the expectation, “It’s good to drive defensively, but I know that there are some idiots out there.”

2. Keep a running count in your head of how many idiots you encounter on that trip.

3. Once you’ve spotted a road rage, focus on the road ahead, remind yourself about the book you are listening to, the radio, or your passenger.