How to maintain you cool in Traffic

Driving in congested traffic is one of the major causes of stress in day to day life. I have asked many people and they agree that they get angry regularly while Driving. While in America, I saw that most of the traffic was well disciplined and respecting other drivers. It is not to say that everybody is disciplined but most of the people obey traffic laws. Here in India and rest of South Asia people somehow want to move ahead and beat you. Everyone seems in too much hurry and some how want to reach their destinations earlier. People take too much time to save 5 to 10 minutes of their time, while putting at risk their own and others' lives. Most of my friends who come back from America after a long time are afraid to drive here for first few days even if they have been born and brought up here.

When do most people get irritated?
I was thinking about this problem for a long time and trying to analyze what caused me most irritation. I came across three major reasons which creates anger.

1. Slow traffic in front
   When you are in a hurry to reach your office or rush home after a day at the office, one thing that irritates the most is another motorist who is moving too slowly on a single lane road and blocking your path. It gets more annoying when you want to overtake but unable to do so because of lack of space. You start cursing that person.


2. Honking
   Sometime you might be traveling at a proper speed but the person behind you may be in too much hurry and keeps on honking on you. I have also see people who keep on honking on everybody else on the road expecting that everyone else will clear the road for him. This habit creates a lot of stress to others. Quite a few people think of taking revenge and start honking on that person. This creates more stress on the road.


3. Rash Driving
   Few people think it is their birth right to move into every little space on the road and do not care about the lanes or any other rules. Some others turn suddenly without any indicators. When you see such driving you become aware of the danger to you and become apprehensive and cautious.

Steps to remain cool in Traffic

1. Start Early
   Starting early is one of the key to remain calm in traffic. If a destination requires 15 minutes, then start 20 minutes early. Similarly for a destination of 1 hour start 15 minutes early. If you want to hurry, use it to make an early start. For example, try to finish the daily routine like bath, or breakfast earlier so that you can make an early start. Once you start with sufficient time in hand, the traffic jams will not cause stress as you already accounted for them.


2. Drive Slowly
   This is an extension of the earlier point. Apart from starting earlier, try to drive within the speed limit and as per the road condition. I have observed that driving slowly ensures that the driving anxiety is not there. Even if you are in a real hurry, try to drive as much slowly as possible. Remember it is better to reach late than ending up in hospital with few broken bone or disability for life.


3. Keep Distance
   Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. If there is sudden braking from the vehicle in front you would still be safe. Another benefit of maintaining safe distance is you can anticipate any danger and take evasive action. If you are too close you may not get a chance to save yourself from the danger.


4. Forgive
   This is a technique which I find extremely effective and useful. Even if someone manages to irritate you and makes you feel angry, lets say by continuous honking, suppress the urge to honk him. Think that may be this person is in real hurry let me forgive him. You will immediately find peacefulness returning and stress getting released.


5. Observe Your Stress
   I also use this technique quite a lot. When ever you feel angry, try to divert the attention and observe and feel the stress your face. Observe how the forehead is tighter. You will immediately be able to relax and de-stress.
   

Try out the above techniques and let me know about them. I would also love to hear from you, any other techniques which you find useful. Happy Driving, Bon Voyage.