FIT

Baggage Check: Road Rage Gets You Nowhere

On Wednesdays, Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.

Photo by Michelle Repiso/ExpressI REDISCOVERED RECENTLY that few things in life are more heart-warming than looking in your rearview mirror to see someone attempting to caress your bumper with the front of their car.

This particularly lovely woman — who was talented enough to also apply lipstick and shout at me, all while going thrice the speed limit — reminded me what an epidemic aggressive driving and road rage can be, especially in traffic-jammed Washington during rush hour.

Speeding is one thing. I won't be a hypocrite — I could tell you the way to D.C. Traffic Court in my sleep — but antagonistic, reckless and angry-as-a-bull-on-steroids weaving around is another. What's the payoff? Arriving at your destination a full 20 seconds earlier than you would have otherwise?

In this case, the woman — after she so elegantly crossed the double line on a curvy, no-visibility road to pass me, only to be caught with me at every four-way stop for the next 10 minutes — gained absolutely nothing (except, perhaps, my undying love and admiration). Plus, in addition to imperiling others' lives on the road, these drivers are actually shaving years of their own, even if they're lucky enough to avoid a crash.

Hostile, tense and impatient personality patterns — epitomized by road rage and aggressive driving — are a serious risk factor for coronary heart disease. Behaving this way, quite simply, can kill you. So even if these tailgating ragers do gain an extra few moments at work — perhaps winning the all-important "Who will turn on the coffeemaker?' competition — they may very well be giving up their chances for a long and healthy retirement.

Photo by Michelle Repiso/Express

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COMMENTS (8)

  • This reminded me of a great bumber sticker I saw the other week. It read: "You tailgate, I slow down. GOT IT?" In fact, I'm going to search online and order one right now.

    I despise tailgaters, weavers, speeders and every other type of aggressive driver out there. People need to friggin' relax on the road. What's the big hurry???

    By Ralph Steadman , Posted April 25, 2007 10:44 AM

  • Dr. Andrea is obviously more patient than I am. I would not have allowed that wench to pass. Then again, I guess that would make me part of the big angry problem.

    By Julia , Posted April 25, 2007 11:47 AM

  • I definitely think the whole aggro driving thing (weaving, cutting people off, honking excessively) has gotten out of control. Although I am guilty of getting POd at people who sit forever at green lights before driving, and going below the speed limit when there is no traffic, like they're out for a Sunday drive on Tuesday.

    My last pleasant experience was with a woman who was going 15 in a 40 MPH, one-lane country road. I did drive closely, but not tailgating -- I was just trying to get to work on time. Once the road went to 2 lanes, she honked at me, yelled at me out of her window, and gave me the finger. We stopped right next to each other at a traffic light. I rolled down my window and politely told her that she had 2 flat tires and might want to get them checked out. I still have no idea why she decided to drive a good 20 miles on her rims when she had a cell phone (she was waving it at me while cursing) and could have pulled over and called for a tow.

    By AmandaPan23 , Posted April 25, 2007 12:02 PM

  • I think part of the problem in this area is you get people from all over the world with different driving behaviors & attitudes - making the traffic patterns on the roads unpredictable and frustrating.

    Life would be so much better if everyone just stayed right, passed left. :)

    By Cathy , Posted April 25, 2007 12:13 PM

  • One of my newest techniques for dealing with aggressive drivers is to give them the...peace sign! It helps me stay calm and avoid giving them just one finger.

    I have no idea what these drivers think about it, but I hope it might help them chill out a bit. People get too anxious and worked up on the road. If everyone just relaxed and took a few deep breathes, it could make it easier for all of us to cope with the traffic and realize that eventually we will get where we need to be!

    By Anir bas , Posted April 25, 2007 1:47 PM

  • I agree with Cathy. I do not tailgate, etc., but I do get frustrated with people who don't use good driving etiquette or follow the rules of the road (lights with wipers, anyone?)

    By Missy , Posted April 25, 2007 1:52 PM

  • What I don't understand are the people who slow down or stop to yell at people who've just done something stupid..doesn't it make them stupid too?

    By Kate , Posted April 25, 2007 3:58 PM

  • I suffer from road rage in traffic jams--it is the one time I don't like driving a stick shift. But now that I know it will lead to a premature death I will just sit back, apply lipstick and fiddle with the radio. And since I don't generally wear lipstick it will certainly make the traffic jam more exciting . . .

    By Anne , Posted April 26, 2007 7:46 AM
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