"Heat brings out the worst in us", psychologists say. "And add fuel to fire, shooting up stress". When weather conditions are uncomfortable, irritation is round the corner, providing that spark to ignite mental instability and irrationality in impulsive persons and causing them to even commit crime - even though they are not of a criminal bent of mind. This is even more aggravated when one protagonist in an argument is traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, for the other resent this 'inequitable distribution' of discomfort!
That is why perhaps one finds a surfeit of accidents during the hot months, and more particularly during the height of noon as compared to the rest of the summer day.
There is, needless to add, the influence of alcohol on them mental stability of road users, by they motorists, cyclists or pedestrians. The general aggression becomes more focused on the road, giving rise to violent situations.
And then there are people who are already hassled on account of various matters, matters unconnected with driving. Be it a disturbed night without adequate sleep, or a disagreement with the spouse, may be a delayed start or a ticking off from the boss - your crisis could be anything.
Going by behavioural patterns, it is found that road rage usually strikes people with ego problems. Also, a decade ago Delhiites talked not too kindly of the emerging behaviour patterns among 'yuppies' and 'puppies' universally condemning their noweavu riche arrogance and irresponsible crudeness while zipping across the city in their Marutis and their inflated egos.
Anger levels rise and keep rising over each irrational act of the other road user - not necessarily a vehicle driver, even a pedestrian cyclist, bullock - cart camel, or elephant becomes competition'. Every time such a person sits at the wheel of his car It is as though it is a race, the against the rest of the world. And when he feels that the other road user is getting the better of him he blows his top in trying to over take and bingo; you have an accident, and all the ingredients for an 'untoward incident'.
Non - stop driving over prolonged lengths of time also impairs the cognitive functions of a driver and impedes his appraisal of hazards and stress. Such drivers then overestimate their driving abilities - resulting in psychological error situations.
The complex interweaving of all these factor set amidst pressure -cooker traffic conditions is the breeding ground for road rage. This and the resultant disregard to rules. One should not fail to mention. Traffic police have to exert an amount of pressure and force while trying to control vehicle movement. One fallout of this is an increment in the already fermenting road user's rage.
The effects of all these factors are not necessarily uniform - individual metabolism, mind, frame and circumstances all play an important role in causing individuals to react differently in similar circumstances. But on the whole, the use of the country's roads is not a pleasant experience.
So what's the remedy? Always keep your cool, say most. Easier said than done. But a good driver needs to be organised. Ensure yours rest, and make time for relaxation. Start well in time, with sufficient sponge for stoppages and contingencies of traffic abnormalities en route. Be in control of the wheel and yourself. And do not get provoked or overly excited - especially when you are driving. Be patient at intersections, and take heed of the traffic police's suggestion that you 'RELEX', painted for your benefit on every red light signal- head.
And remember, with all the tension packed hurried attempt to reach the destination, you'd not really have gained more than a minute or two. May be it would help to develop an attitude of pehle aap while on the road. Last but not the least, if provoked, never react before mentally counting 1 to 10 - slowly. Believe me it will help!
© copyright : Maxwell Pereira
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