ALT-1 Learning what Triggers Road Rage
While any number of events can trigger an episode of road rage, I believe these displays of hostility can be divided into two categories that serve as reasons. On a personal level, I ashamedly confess guilt to possessing both of these attributes practically every time I situate myself into the driver's seat. Just what are these two categories?
We are a selfish breed. As members of Homo sapiens, we carry many inborn traits. Perhaps the most significant of these is the instinct to look out for Number One. When we come across another individual who threatens our well-being, our defenses come into action. One of the ways we display this is by expressing anger. For example, if you are cruising along the highway at 55 or 60 mph and somebody decides to pull out on a crossroad too soon; thereby forcing you to drastically reduce your speed, he or she will automatically be regarded as an idiot with a death wish. In addition to each of us looking out for the welfare of Number One above all others, we develop a sense; however delusional, of superiority.
"Nobody drives better than I do!" we may proclaim.
"I'm the only one who matters. Everyone else is in my way. This is MY road!" we arrogantly think to ourselves.
Unless that other person out there drives exactly as we do, they simply don't know how to drive. Standup comics like George Carlin often made references to thoughts such as these, but you know what? It's true! Should the errant driving result in a fender-bender, a fistfight may be involved as well; at least until the police arrive. Ironically, a twist to such a spectacle can take place. If the mishap takes on a more serious tone, compassion replaces the swearing, the obscene gestures, and the brawling. When someone appears to be hurt, we forget about whose fault it is and reset our priorities accordingly; for this is also thankfully a part of the human condition.
In the current fast-paced world we occupy, we are also in a bigger hurry than we have ever been before. Schedules must be kept. Deadlines must be met. It's easy to find yourself running behind. Unfortunately, this also seems to occur at the most inopportune times. Because you have to make a 30-minute drive in 17 minutes, every stoplight you reach will be red. If you grab a quick meal in the fast-food drive-up to avoid starving for hours on end, this will be when the person directly situated in front of you will ask the attendant for a detailed description of every single item on the menu. This will be the day when you get stuck behind an elderly woman in a Buick driving 20 mph under the posted speed limit or you find yourself stopped behind a school bus picking up children. Or suddenly, you realize you forgot that your usual route was beginning road construction today. However, it's too late now, because you're now trapped, crawling along at 5 mph in one lane of traffic. And finally, the streets will be so congested that it will take you 10 minutes to make that left turn or to go through an intersection that just has a stop sign.
All of the above will augment the stress you already feel by being late in the first place. The blood pressure rises, the heart rate increases, and you've just about reached that boiling point, that change in temperament that transforms a normally dignified individual into a bitter, hateful one.
As our population grows, our roadways will become more crowded. Sadly, instances of road rage will also increase. The first step to minimizing or eradicating a problem is to recognize its existence and what causes it. I am confident with presenting what I believe to be the very roots of this ever-growing phenomenon. The next question that needs to be addressed logically follows:
As drivers, what are we willing to do about it?
