Truck drivers face aggressive drivers and experience road rage daily. Whether it’s caused by drivers tailgating, getting cut off, or indecisive motorists on the highway, these situations can be upsetting and extremely dangerous, especially when a semi-truck is involved.
So, what should truck drivers do when confronted with an angry or aggressive driver and how do you deal with road rage?
How to deal with road rage
Semi-trucks are especially difficult to maneuver and stop due to their large size and the additional weight of the freight being hauled. This means that truck drivers must always practice safe driving and avoid road rage situations.
The next time you start to feel road rage, try following these three tips:
1. Back off
Do not engage with an aggressive driver, as this will only lead to an increase in danger or even violence. Drivers should avoid gesturing, honking and even making eye contact with the other driver, as these behaviors often lead to more extreme road rage. Try to resist the urge to speed past the driver and give them more space instead.
Remember: Getting home safely is more important than teaching another driver a lesson. Instead of acting on road rage, try to back off from the aggressive driver.
2. Take a breath and relax
Try taking a few deep breaths and trying to relax. Turn on some tunes to take you out of the rage filled moment. Focus on something other than the anger and try to calm down.
Drivers should do their best to avoid getting emotionally caught up in a situation that causes road rage. It is easy to replay the scenario or continue to think about the dangerous situation, but this can be distracting and potentially lead to more dangerous situations.
If you are struggling to calm down on the road, it may be more helpful to safely pull over at a gas station or rest stop and take a minute or two to relax before getting back on the road again.
3. Imagine yourself in their situation
We all know that empathy can be a difficult thing to have after someone has just cut you off, but this step is vital when trying to keep calm.
Take a moment to consider that the aggressive driver that has been tailgating or cutting other motorists off may be emotional due to something else that happened that day. They may be running late for work or driving to attend to an urgent situation. The other driver may be distressed and responding negatively to their reckless driving may lead to a more violent or dangerous situation.
Don’t take their actions personally. Keep in mind that their actions may have been a mistake and that you are more than likely not the root of their anger or distress.
