A guide to balance road rage and teen problems

Road rage is now a common experience. It might be you unleashing a temper, a passenger or another driver. This is not a laughing matter although it has become a substantial content of late night shows and comedies. It is an absolutely terrifying experience that sometimes can turn into a dangerous one.

Even some experienced and usually patient drivers can sometimes undergo road rage, and while it’s not normal, our emotions sometimes get the best out of us; making us irrational and stupid. Now consider a teen who is just getting used to the road.

A young adult that is still trying to be confident behind the wheel with lesser logical thinking and an enduring behavior. Road rage and teens is a deadly combination.

Teens need to have a calm mindset while on the road

Road rage is the leading cause of accidents among teens. Extreme emotions may lead to illegal maneuvering, cutting off, tailgating, and driving slow in the left lane. This behavior tends to trigger and amplify the possibility of a driver going cracked.

Teens tend to emulate what they see from the adults that influence them. Even if you don’t verbally abuse other people while on the road, but you lack the discipline and tend to become competitive of the lanes and cut or tailgate, then our teens would pick these up and consider it as standard practices.

Teens need to have a calm mindset while on the road, and their parents have a good deal of impact when it comes to developing a good driving discipline. Regardless of the gravity of the situation, Philkotse.com has prepared some smart tips for both teens and parents alike to avoid accidents due to road rage.

1. Walk the talk

Practice what you preach, parents! How many times have you reminded your teens to be calm while driving, obey the road rules, do not over speed, no driving when being drunk? Are you setting a good example for them?

Again, teens need role models in this critical time in their lives to be the best influencer and show them things teenagers should know when driving. Not only that, they should understand how to follow things properly and be flexible.

Parents are fundamental role models for their teens at their sensitive ages

Plant the root from their younger years so when they are ready to drive, they automatically know what’s right and wrong from years of observing you.

If things are not going your way on the road, take a deep breath and learn to let go of these emotions and negativity. Practice FIDO or Forget It and Drive on. Giving in to a road rage will open a can of problems and a detrimental succession of negative consequences. 

So breathe in and exhale the negativities and continue your journey. Never get out of your vehicle if your emotions are raging!

2. Anger management

There is a phase in every teen’s life where they feel that everything is all about them. It is their pain and anger that needs to be focused on. Everything is all about them and their feelings. Everyone, both adults and teens are entitled to their emotions including their anger. But it is downright wrong to direct your anger towards another person. This is out of line.

Teens should always try to manage and keep their anger in check

So, when out in the road, teens should always try to manage and keep their anger in check. Yes, you are mad. But you can indulge in that anger privately. Do not risk your life or somebody else’s life just because you are furious. There’s a lot of important things at stake including someone’s life. 

3. Breathe in, breathe out

A calming technique can work wonders if in the brink of a meltdown so it will be best to have our teens find a calming effect that works for them. For others, 10 minutes of total silence with just slow breathing can work wonders while for some, breathing in and out with some soothing music can make the difference.

Different strokes for different folks so find that effective technique for you and use it when needed. It takes time to get used to the roads. Some teens might feel the need to own them, but roads are meant to be shared safely. It's one of the most common ways in terms of safe driving teens.

Take a deep breath and exhale slowly will smoothen your negative feelings

4. Choose your battles

The anger of another person might be critical to you. Other drivers experiencing road rage puts everyone around him at risk. So teenagers, if you see someone who is driving aggressively or erratically, then try to avoid and get away from the car. Never go out and confront an irrational person. Choose your battles wisely. If you want to help out, help by taking note of the plate number of the vehicle and report it to the police.

Teens should understand the situation and make the right decision when there's anger in the car

If you find yourself already involved with a road rage-based situation, require the police so possible violence, and unpredictable behavior can be contained real time.  Do not be led by your reactions and provide as much space to the furious driver. Avoid eye contact and never engage as this might trigger a series of more disastrous events.

5. Value what’s at stake

Teens should always remember that when driving, their lives are not the only one at stake. The life of other drivers, passersby, and their passengers are all depended on them. It’s not merely being behind the wheel and taking control, so it’s imperative that early on, they realize this fact.

Our teens will set the baseline for our future drivers. They will dictate the attitude and discipline of the roads ten years from now. It is vital that they keep their cool and as much possible not go into road rage. Every day, there would always be that devastating news about road accidents caused by cutting or a driver giving a fellow driver a bad look.

Teens should always remember that when driving, their lives are not the only one at stake

Teens need to realize that there are more important things in the road than trying to establish ownership for a single lane.

Overall, parents and teens should work hand in hand in creating a peaceful and safe driving experience. This is not an overnight process because our children will all eventually transition to being teens so as early as the time that they are riding the car with us, parents should already exhibit the correct behavior and plant that seed of good driving habits.

Read more helpful driving tips and advice better driving experience on the road.