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BURNING ROAD RAGE DOWN
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
You and I have heard about it one way or the other. How road rage is the top cause of many auto accidents. A
furious driver is a dangerous person, and anyone who happens to cross his path is well advised not to attempt
to do so at that point. An angry driver poses risks not only to himself but to others on the road.
Driving can be a tedious job in itself, but having to manage your anger at someone on the road can be a huge
and seemingly insurmountable challenge. If someone cuts you off on the road or taps your bumper, the most
likely reaction is to swear or curse at the other driver, give chase or try to get even. But the truly Christian way
is to pull oneself out of the situation, calm down, and let the other driver go. The ability to settle down and get
your hold on your temper is admirable. The road, after all, is not an arena to prove your worth or your
vehicle’s great power. Keeping your anger in check is the key to getting more mileage with your car and your
gas. Instead of burning fuel and rubber, just mentally let the other driver burn in hell or something. Listen to
music to calm yourself. Or talk to yourself about the probable humorous reason why the other driver did what
he did. You could be buying yourself an afterlife in heaven if you’re able to do that.
Road rage also contributes to hasty judgments and unwanted miscalculations on the road. When you drive
angrily, you tend to have a mistaken assumption of what you and your vehicle can achieve. Just as people
advice not to drive when you’re drunk, in the same way, don’t drive when you’re angry. Remember that
objects on the side view and rear view mirrors might be closer than you think they are. You’d certainly not
want to endanger others with sheer irresponsible anger.
In driving, as in any other type of work, we need to have the proper attitude, great courtesy for other road
users, street smarts, and training. Being equipped with such factors helps a driver become the real king of the
road. Of course, there will always be other drivers who will test one’s patience on the road. However, if every
road user becomes a responsible and regulation-keeping individual, there might not be any more motor
accidents caused by road rage.
Remember that driving is supposed to get you where you’re headed, not where you’re ultimately be destined
to be (DEATH, hello!). Even those who are being sent off to their final resting place use slow-moving hearses.
Who would want to hurry to their death, anyway?
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What is road rage? How does it lead to many auto accidents?
2. Have you ever experienced road rage? Be able to talk about your experience in class.
3. How can people deal with road rage? Do you have any more helpful suggestions?
4. Why do drivers need to observe courtesy on the road? How?
5. What would you do if someone chases you on the road because he was angered by what you supposedly did
to his car/him?