School may be back in session but that doesn’t mean Summer’s over! Many people are still taking to the streets for weekend getaways.
The weather is nicer, the trees and vegetation are ripe and well, why not getaway for the weekend?
So how to pack your cool when it seems every driver is out to get you? Back in my day, we’d say “Murphy’s Law” is bound to show up. That being the assumption that you’d get stuck behind “grandma on a Sunday drive” or every lane was somehow blocked and you couldn’t pass or get out in front of the slow poke.
My friends over on Own Guard Solutions addresses this question:
What Causes Road Rage?
“Road rage often originates from encounters with drivers we perceive as careless or inconsiderate. However, it’s essential to recognize that multiple factors contribute to these feelings beyond just personal perception. For instance, driving in heavy traffic can amplify feelings of frustration and impatience. Being stuck in congestion can make even the calmest individuals feel agitated. Similarly, driving in extreme weather conditions, such as on a hot day, can exacerbate irritability and stress.
Personal stress also plays a significant role. If you’re dealing with issues in your personal or professional life, this stress can carry over into your driving behavior.“
Yes, personal stress of my own making was the culprit.
I learned this lesson way back when my youngest was newly potty trained and we head on a ten hour road trip (as a single mom). Inevitably, I’d get to a good cruising rate and feeling like we were “back on schedule” according to our itinerary to arrive at some predetermined time based on … well me, really. I was getting frustrated! But, then a bit of sanity blessed me – he can’t help it when he has to go. Do I want him to revert backwards? Nope!
That’s when I made a conscious decision – my happiness and sanity was worth throwing schedules to the wind!
As parents, we usually have more negative comments to our children than positive. I made it a point to encourage my children whenever possible. I’d try to catch them doing good and commenting on that rather than the constant don’t do’s…
This is when I started enjoying the journey (the travel as well as the destination) and my children!
I invite you to relax while driving the best you can and to stop making every trip a contest (to see who can get there first).
Safe travels for your next getaway!