Imagine that you are driving and the driver before you drives too fast, cuts from one lane to the other, or drives really slow. You probably think that the driver is using his cell phone while driving, or that maybe he is intoxicated and not up to the ride, but there might be a different reason for this behavior – the driver’s emotions might be affecting their driving skills. This may sound strange but studies have shown exactly that, regardless of a person’s driving skills.
Coping the best way you can
Basically it is best to try to deal with those emotions before you get behind the wheel. If you are too caught up in it and you feel that it starts affecting your driving, there are a few things you can do to regain control of the situation.
How do you feel today?
If you are feeling angry, agitated, annoyed, or otherwise less than calm, stop your car at the side of the road and take a short walk, breath and count to ten. You can also drink some water to freshen up and calm down. Whatever you do, do not go back to your car feeling angry or down.
If you fear that your driving skills are affected by feelings of concern, worry, depression, or stress, try as hard as you can to get your focus back on the road until you will get to your destination. Hum your favorite tune or turn the radio on and listen to music that will distract you from you troubles, but not from the road.
If patience is not your style or if you are in a hurry or otherwise pressed for time, hit the road (not literally) a bit earlier and plan the road in advance so that you would not be late and get upset if you get stuck in traffic, or get impatient because of slow drivers.
In any other case focus on the road and not on your emotions and drive safely!
