Overhead: I’m only a racist when I’m driving.
“I’m only a racist when I’m driving.”, I heard someone say this as a joke, someone who I considered to be respectful of others and a progressive thinker on social issues. They said they were joking, but it still felt like there was an element of truth to it, and, as a new driver, it made me think about how being in a car can bring out the worst in us. It’s a strange phenomenon that I’m trying to understand.
Have you ever been in a situation where you suddenly become a completely different person? Like, when you put on a costume for Halloween or are under the influence of alcohol or you visit a different country, you transform into someone else? Well, that's what happens to many of us when we get behind the wheel of a car. We can turn into the worst part of ourselves when we feel aggrieved by another driver.
So, what causes this sudden change in behavior? Well, scientists have been studying this phenomenon for years and have come up with a theory: It's the car's fault. That's right; the car is to blame for our sudden bouts of rage. Sort of.
It all has to do with the psychology of driving. When we get behind the wheel, we suddenly become territorial. Our car becomes our kingdom, and we feel like we need to defend it at all costs. And, if someone else invades our kingdom by driving too slow or cutting us off, we feel like they're challenging our authority. And when we feel challenged by a deep sense of injustice, so we become angry.
And, when we're angry, we start to lash out. We curse, we yell, and sometimes, we even make say things that are out of character. For some, it may be because that’s what they really think about other people, but for many, it is just the most easily accessible insult that comes to mind. It’s hard to be creative with your insults to other drivers in that split second, so we comment on the only information we have - their car, their gender, their race, whatever we can quickly extract.
But it's not just the psychology of driving that causes us to become an idiot. There are also a number of environmental factors that play a role. For example, traffic can be incredibly stressful. We're stuck in a metal box, surrounded by other metal boxes, and we can't escape. And, if someone does something that we perceive as wrong, we take it as a personal affront.
And let's not forget about road rage. Road rage is a real thing, and it can turn even the most mild-mannered individual into a raging monster. When we're angry, we're more likely to lash out and make racist remarks.
So, what can we do to prevent ourselves from becoming enraged while driving? Well, there are a few things that might help. For one, we can try to stay calm and relaxed while we're driving. We can listen to soothing music or practice deep breathing exercises.
Here are some strategies that you can use to calm yourself down, reduce stress and avoid road rage:
Take deep breaths: Taking slow, deep breaths can help you calm down and reduce stress.
Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and your breathing. This can help you stay calm and centered, even in stressful situations.
Use positive self-talk: Try to talk to yourself in a positive and reassuring way, and remind yourself that getting angry won't solve the problem.
Listen to music: Put on some calming music to help you relax and reduce stress.
Plan ahead: Avoid rush hour and plan your route to minimize the likelihood of getting stuck in traffic.
Allow extra time: Leave earlier than necessary so you won't feel rushed or stressed if you get stuck in traffic.
Practice forgiveness: Try to let go of anger and resentment towards other drivers. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and cut others some slack.
Avoid aggressive driving behaviors: Don't tailgate, cut off other drivers, or make rude gestures. These actions can escalate the situation and lead to road rage.
We can also try to be more understanding and forgiving of other drivers. After all, we've all made mistakes while driving. And, if someone does something that frustrates us, we can try to let it go.
And, if all else fails, we can always get out of the car (in a safe spot) and walk. Walking is a great way to reduce stress, and it's a great way to avoid road rage.
So while driving may turn us into monsters, it doesn't have to. By being aware of the causes of our behavior and by taking steps to prevent it, we can ensure that we stay empathetic, culturally sensitive and accepting, both on and off the road. Because, in the end, it's not about the car. It's about us.
I remember being in the car with my grandfather and observing him let someone cut in front of him in traffic, and he said to me, “The world would be a better place if everyone was a little more courteous.” Kind of simple, kind of profound, but I think about that all the time now when I am driving.