Road rage is caused by two things, and ONLY two things: YOUR EGO and IMPATIENCE. I’m not entirely certain that I know how to change your ego.  I think a person’s ego is a personal thing, and is directly correlated with a person’s overall self-esteem.  My first thought is that a person with lower self-esteem may be inclined to ballooning up a bigger ego to compensate for their lower self-esteem.  Low Self-Esteem Guy may be somewhat more sensitive to perceived “wrong-doings” that indicate to the Sensitive Ego Guy (same person, different hat/title) that someone has somehow directly or indirectly stepped on their toes, therefore pressing Sensitive Ego Guy into coming back with a fight in order to enforce the boundaries of said self-esteem.  So, what is road rage?  Road rage happens with Sensitive Ego Guy (formerly known as Low Self-Esteem Guy) thinks someone did something to wrong him and in return aggresses to establish his personal sense of ego.

“Oh yeah?  You think you can cut me off like that? (Or butt in front of me, or make me go slow, etc., etc.) Well!! I’ll show you who’s boss!!!” …proceed erratic and dangerous driving methods that put all of our lives in danger… 

Now, let’s add in the second part of the equation: Patience.  Patience is one of those elusive virtues that apparently those of us with the demand for instant gratification haven’t acquired yet.  However, there is hope.  Patience can be learned.  Patience is the missing element for every driver who feels it necessary to drive faster than everyone else.  Patience is that creepy quality that encourages all people to take a breath and just focus on getting home safely.  It’s shocking, I know, but patience can be learned by taking ownership for your personal time management skills.  It can be learned by realizing that there are *gasp* other people within your experience that A) you have no control over and B) each have their very own personal agenda/battle they are going through RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE!!! (Just Like YOU!)

Okay, so now you’re armed with the tools for not being a Road Rager.  So… now what?  Well, at this point, I would like to remind you that driving in a populated area is a group activity.  Before you get behind the wheel, remind yourself that you don’t want to be known as the kid who Doesn’t Play Well With Others.  (Ya did pass kindergarten, no?)  And most importantly: plan ahead.  Leave point A with plenty of time to get to destination B.  Remember that it is not a life or death situation if you don’t make it there on time, and if it IS, you need to be damn sure you’re leaving early enough that you don’t have to worry about being late– even if something beyond your control (i.e. traffic) hinders your time schedule.

A patient driver is a safe driver.  As long as the ego doesn’t get stepped upon.  Perhaps a solution for the Sensitive Ego Guy is that he focus on feeling better about himself.  Maybe he just needs to come to terms with who he is.  I don’t know.  I can’t help you on the ego part… Hopefully the patience part will buy you enough time to figure it out, though… or, you can carry on as you have been…

I just don’t see how it could be fulfilling to be steaming red every time you get out of your car… or how one is comfortable of the driving drama that happens when you become impatient and frustrated with the people around you… I mean, I suppose you could just choose to not drive anywhere… but then, is that a solution, really?

(Ash exits soap box)

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