Tips for Staying Calm When Driving in Stressful Situations

Have you ever been driving during rush hour, and someone suddenly cuts you off? Maybe your heart began racing, and you gripped the wheel and gritted your teeth. Perhaps you even shouted some insults or honked your horn. If you were having a terrible day, maybe you sped around the car to even the playing field. Driving can be stressful, especially in heavy traffic. It can be easy to lose your temper and become aggravated. As a result, you can become mentally drained and exhausted. Here are some tips to stay calm while driving in stressful situations and avoid aggressive driving habits.

Slow Down

One of the easiest ways to keep your cool when driving is to slow down. There will inevitably be other drivers whizzing by, but it isn’t a race. Follow speed limits, focus on the road, and enjoy your ride. Even if you are running behind, take it easy on the gas pedal, relax, and go to the recommended speed. It also helps to have reasonable expectations for your travel time. If your GPS indicates that it will take you 20 minutes to get to work, don’t cut that time down to 10 minutes. Always allow adequate time to make it to your destination; however, do not panic if you are running late. It is more important that you arrive safely.

Stay Away from Aggressive Drivers

If you notice someone driving aggressively, try to avoid them and let them go around you. Allow some distance between you and the reckless driver, or change lanes so that you are not directly beside them. Keeping some space between you and these crazy drivers will help you stay safe, and it will allow for a more relaxed drive. If you encounter a driver with a case of road rage, you can call the road rage hotline. Florida offers a hotline to call if you are on a highway, *FHP (*347), so that you can let authorities handle the situation instead of confronting aggressive drivers. Drivers can use the hotline to report drunk drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or suspicious incidents on Florida roadways.

Decrease Distractions, Increase Zen

The only thing you should be worried about when driving is keeping your attention on the road, and the best way to do this is to eliminate any possible distractions. Turn off your cell phone and put it away before your trip. Alarms, notifications, and calls can cause tension while behind the wheel. Additionally, you can stay relaxed when driving by listening to tranquil music. Classical, Lo-Fi and other downbeat genres of music can help you chill out while behind the wheel. If music isn’t your jam, you can also listen to some calming podcasts. There are a variety of podcasts out there to fit your fancy; however, if you are looking for the ultimate zen experience, there are plenty of podcasts on mindfulness and medication – The Mindfulness Meditation Podcast, Wake Me Up, and The JOY Factor to name a few. Be sure to start your podcast before you begin your drive so that you are not fiddling with your phone while on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by aggressive driving or road rage, contact 1-800-411-PAIN. We understand how difficult it can be to recover from an injury and accumulate medical bills. That is why the 1-800-411-PAIN team is here to help you with legal and medical matters every step of the way. Do your part, be a calm and relaxed driver, and always know that you can call trustworthy medical and legal professionals at 1-800-411-PAIN if you are ever in a car accident.