ROAD RAGE – LEARN TO COOL IT

ALAN Symons, a consultant and facilitator at the Anger and Stress Management Centre, offers tips on keeping calm on the road:

You cannot be the one to teach the other driver road manners.

Choose to be the one who follows the rules regardless of others who don’t. A typical example for me is that I have chosen to stop at every stop street on the road between the Galleria and Arbour Village today.

Choose to keep your adrenalin levels under control by reminding yourself that “whoever angers me owns me”. Refuse to allow a total stranger to own you, even

if it is just momentarily.

When we get angry we will want to take a sigh. Your body is asking for oxygen – take a few deep breaths and give it the oxygen it needs.

Plan your trip. Factor in weather, road works or other possible delays.

Don’t allow passengers to stir up your adrenalin by saying what you should do under a road-rage circumstance.

Play peaceful music.

Changing your tendency towards road rage behaviour or your reaction if enraged may take some practice. Treat yourself when you get it right.