SelfhelpMagazine

by Rebekah S. Lynch, Ph.D. & Jerry L. Deffenbacher, Ph.D.

Researchers have found that those angry drivers who indicate they don't have a problem with driving anger can be just as angry and dangerous on the road as those who know they are aggressive drivers, according to a study conducted by psychologist Rebekah S. Lynch, Ph.D., of Colorado State University and other researchers.

The study involved male and female college students who reported more anger in response to fourteen common driving situations than three-quarters of their fellow students. These driving situations could include hostile gestures (e.g., others make an obscene gesture), police presence (e.g., officer pulls you over), illegal driving (e.g., others going over the speed limit), traffic obstructions (e.g., stuck in a traffic jam), discourtesy (e.g., someone cuts you off), and slow driving (e.g., slow driver does not pull over to let others by).

The students were classified by one of three groups; high trait driving anger students who indicated a personal problem with their driving anger and a desire for counseling for that problem (HAP); high trait driving anger students that described themselves as not having a problem with driving anger (HANP); and low trait anger students that indicated no personal problem with driving anger (LANP).

The researchers found that although there was some evidence of greater anger and aggressiveness for HAP drivers compared to HANP drivers, overall, students in both groups were more alike than different. Both high anger groups were at greater risk for more anger, aggression, risky behavior and some types of accidents.

The study authors say even though both groups were at greater risk, different interventions will be needed to reduce road rage. "Because they acknowledge problems and are interested in counseling, HAP drivers appear ready for psychotherapeutic and psycho-educational interventions. HANP drivers, on the other hand, because they do not perceive or at least acknowledge problems will require new interventions which focus on increasing their awareness of their problems and their readiness and motivation to address them."

If a person is aware of being angry, they need to docus on calming themselves down before getting in the car. Thoughts that will help them relax might include:
No matter what happens, I will keep focused on keeping cool, calm and collected.
No person, place or thing can make me lose it.
I am in control of myself. Other people depend on me keeping clam.

If a person is not aware of their road rage, it behooves those with whom they drive to take a stand and comment on how uncomfortable they feel when forced to sit and watch such rageful outbrusts. Mentioning that angry outbursts do not inspire confidence in the driver may also help.

If all else fails, the strongest stand one can make is to refuse to get into a car with someone who is prone to road-rage. While such an act may lead to momentary anger in the driver, it will make a much needed point. Once they have calmed down and allowed you to drive a few times, you can let them resume the wheel, along wioth the promise that they will maintain their cool.

If you respond to their rage with your own rage when they are driving, you are putting both of you at risk. be smart. Talk about this when neither one of you is driving.

This information received from the American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC.