Are you extremely impatient with other drivers? Do you get incredibly angry when you’re stuck in traffic? Have you ever found yourself wishing that the driver who just carelessly overtook you would be miraculously pummelled by an oncoming 18-wheeler? Do you consider another motorist’s inconsiderate actions directed solely at you? And do you try your darnedest to get back at him or her and feel fulfilled if you’re able to?

If you’ve answered yes to 3 or more of these questions, then like me, you have chronic road rage. Well, not exactly chronic road rage, because according to Judy Hedding, road rage is defined as “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of (the) motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.” In order for an incident to be defi ned as road rage, there must be “wilful and wanton disregard for the safety of others.” In other words, road rage means that someone deliberately tried to harm you as a result of something that happened while you were driving your car.

A similar definition put forward by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety describes road rage as “an incident in which an angry or impatient motorist or passenger injures or kills another motorist, passenger, or pedestrian, or attempts or threatens to injure or kill another motorist, passenger, or pedestrian.” I can rest assured that technically my behaviour isn’t road rage because I haven’t actually committed any acts of assault, though I have thought about it! In the same breath, Miss Hedding has forced me to take a long hard look at my driving habits, and based on her article “Aggressive Driving Can Lead to Road Rage,” I have concluded that I am what some would consider an aggressive driver.

Hedding defines ‘aggressive driving’ as a progression of unlawful driving actions such as: speeding, improper or excessive lane-changing, failing to signal intent, failing to see that movement can be made safely, or, improper passing (such as using an emergency lane to pass, or passing on the shoulder). Aggressive drivers know that you don’t know who they are, so they feel like they have more power and can do as they please. They don’t believe there will be consequences to their actions.

What’s the explanation for these obviously irrational actions? According to clinical psychologist, Leonard Holmes, Ph.D., some of our driving behavior may stem from our innate territoriality. “A recent study found that motorists take significantly longer to leave a parking place if someone else is waiting for it. We seem to be saying ‘I have this space right now, and I won’t give it up until I’m ready’. Driving slowly in the “fast lane” seems to be conveying a similar message. Cars also provide some degree of anonymity. It feels like it is my car against your car rather than me against you. This anonymity may allow us to act out impulses we would never act out faceto- face. As highways become more crowded these problems will only get worse,” says the good doctor.

But all is not lost because like most emotions, road range can be controlled and even prevented. Lex Green, an automotive correspondent and writer of “Steer Clear of Road Rage” off ers the following tips to help keep your anger at bay while you traverse the mean streets.

These steps might seem very general and obvious, but just take a few moments and think back to the many times your driving habits changed because of hostile situations on the road.

1. Be calm

When someone cuts you off by mistake, think of the last time you did the exact same thing to someone else. Nobody is perfect, including you. So just calm down and try to be civilized. Take two deep breaths, pass him or her and let the person know that they’ve made a mistake. Such a simple gesture will definitely make that person think twice in the future, including checking all angles and blind-spots before changing lanes.

2. Always stay alert!

Road rage is often derived from a blatant driving mistake. Being alert means keeping your eyes open for other drivers and staying away from crazy motorists instead of irritating them even more.

3. Keep a good distance

Maintaining an ample distance between your car and the one in front of you is also a way to steer clear of potential road rage. We all know how it feels to have someone practically glued to your bumper. Tailgating is a very common cause of accidents and it can be avoided by simply moving to the right lane and letting the faster driver pass. Avoid following other cars closely because you never know when the driver in front of you will slam on the brakes and stop. This is just plain frustrating and it can result in severe accidents.

4. Do not speed

Try to respect the speed limits. Driving fast will only get you to your destination a mere few minutes earlier. On the other hand, driving at more controlled speeds will provide you with longer reaction time to change lanes, take an exit or stop your vehicle - leading to less aggressive behavior.

In their examination of the phenomenon of road rage, the academic staff of the Australian Academy of Scientists whose website you can check out at www.science.org, suggests that that psychologists recommend people who tend to get angry on the road, undergo relaxation therapy, while driving manuals emphasise that drivers should use defensive driving techniques to help diminish the risk of provoking a road rage attack. For example, following at a safe distance and using your indicator lights before changing lanes are defensive driving strategies that could minimise confrontations on the road.

Some new technologies have also been developed in an attempt to diffuse potential road rage incidents. One of these, the Pod, was unveiled recently by Toyota and Sony. It replaces the traditional operating apparatus of a car – the steering wheel, gear stick and pedals – with a single joystick. By simplifying the driving task, it is hoped that fewer mistakes will be made on the road. Moreover, the Pod monitors the driver’s stress levels and will play soothing music and blow cool air if they rise too high.

According to scientists, traffic control systems that allow optimal traffic flows and therefore reduce road congestion are being developed. And the ability to flash messages such as ‘Sorry’ to other road users has also been proposed. In addition, further research into the phenomenon of road rage, including a 2-year study started in 2001 at the University of Western Australia, should increase understanding of the problem and give rise to possible solutions worldwide.

While your reaction to silly mistakes made by annoying drivers may not warrant relaxation therapy, these simple tips can help you to maintain a cool head behind the wheel:

• Don’t retaliate. Never take the other driver personally.
• Don’t make eye contact with an angry driver.
• Before you react to anything that is done to you please ask yourself, ‘Is getting back at that jerk worth my life?’
• Be polite and courteous, even when others are not.
• Always ask yourself: Could the other driver have possibly made a mistake?
• Slow down and relax
• Listen to your favourite radio station or CD to help make the ride as enjoyable as possible
• If an enraged driver attempts to follow you, there is a good chance that the level of violence may increase. Do not go home. Go straight to the nearest police station and fi le a report.