Louisiana ranks 3rd nationwide for road rage incidents

Louisiana ranks third in the nation for road rage incidents according to a new report by Consumer Affairs. That may come as no surprise to some Crescent City commuters, but these incidents can sometimes turn into deadly confrontations. Dr. Michelle Moore from LSU Health New Orleans says that, while she understands it’s easier said than done, it’s important to be in tune with your emotions and be aware of when you’re starting to lose control.

“Sometimes it’s about factors that go into how our day has started or where we’re at mentally when we’re in the car. Then we get triggered and it becomes about how we respond in those moments,” notes Dr. Moore.

“We can’t stop the emotions from coming, but I encourage people to be aware of what those emotions are. Be aware of when the tension is starting to build up. When we’re not self-aware and don’t recognize that process, it builds and builds and builds until we explode,” she went on to explain.

All of this is not to say that other drivers are never at fault for causing the road rage of others. However, Dr. Moore emphasizes that it’s all about maintaining control of yourself and the situation when things become heated on the roadways.

“Sometimes people are looking to poke your buttons and make you respond. In order to take the control back in those situations, don’t make eye contact when they’re staying next to you honking. Stay focused on what you’re doing. The second that you give that person the opportunity to engage in this road rage battle, you’ve just lost control,” Dr. Moore advises.

While she understands it may sound like trite advice, Dr. Moore urges drivers to take inventory of when they’re feeling anger building and take three slow, deep breaths in those moments. “Take three really slow, deep breaths will actually calm down your physiological symptoms and that will help you to remain calm when you’re driving,” she notes.