4 Tips for Staying Calm When Stuck in Traffic

If you have ever found yourself expressing anger or frustration at another driver in traffic, you are not alone. According to the AAA News Room, nearly 80 percent of motorists admit to exhibiting aggression or road rage on at least one occasion within a 12-month period.

Although aggressive driving may not seem as dangerous as drunk, drowsy, or distracted driving, the consequences of doing so can be just as devastating. The Insurance Information Institute reports that road rage plays a significant role in a considerable number of fatal motor vehicle collisions annually.

If you were hurt in a crash with a reckless driver, turn to the Cooper Law Firm. A strategic attorney on our team can handle all the logistics of your case so you can focus on your health. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Canton.

Read on for four tips for staying calm when stuck in traffic:

1. Just Breathe

Learning a few simple breathing exercises can help you cope with all the stressors of everyday life, including the traffic on your commute. Practice the breathing exercises in a calm environment until you get them down, and then perform them whenever you are feeling especially tense. At the end of the day, a little more oxygen can go a long way.

2. Turn on the Radio 

Honking horns and squealing tires can make anyone’s heart race. If the sounds of the congestion around you are only adding to the stress, turn on the radio, and focus instead on making it to your destination safely.   

3. Don’t Look at the Clock

If you are running late, looking at the clock while stuck in traffic is not going to help you reach the destination faster; however, it will increase your anxiety. If people are expecting you, pull over to a safe place before calling them to inform them of your whereabouts. Otherwise, accept that you cannot do anything about the congestion, and resolve to deal with the consequences of being late when you get to wherever you are going.

4. Consider Why You Are Actually Angry

Aggressive driving is common in heavy traffic. If you find yourself getting angry at the motorists around you, consider where the frustration is actually coming from and why it is so overwhelming.

Are you mad that you’re running late, or are you having a bad day in general? If you can get to the root of your anger, it will be much easier to relax and overcome the negative emotions.

Sadly, even if you avoid giving into feelings of anger and frustration when behind the wheel, you cannot rely on the motorists around you to exercise the same restraint. If you sustained injuries in a collision with a reckless driver, turn to the Cooper Law Firm.

We will help you gather evidence to prove liability and damages against all responsible parties. Contact us online or call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Canton. You can learn more about car accident claims in Texas by visiting the USAttorneys website.

Cooper Law Firm

225 S. Buffalo Street

Canton, TX 75103

903-297-0037