Is your bad mood dangerous on the road?

Sep 30, 2021

Bad days come and go, but your commute is here to stay. While there are factors throughout your day that impact how you feel about the world and your relationships, you often still need to drive to and from your obligations for the day.

For some, getting out on the open road after a bad day can feel almost therapeutic. However, for others, driving while angry can be an accident waiting to happen.

Here’s what you should know about how your mood could impact your safety and the safety of others traveling Grand Rapids roadways.

Road rage is real

A bad day can often seem to escalate. It may start with a minor inconvenience, and it can seem like the world is against you by the end of the day.

Unfortunately, your anger can escalate as you are driving down the road. On an ordinary day, you might dismiss someone driving slow in the passing lane or the driver to (accidentally) cut you off. When your bad day gets the better of you, you may find yourself taking a dangerous, aggressive approach to your commute.

Anger as a distraction

A bad day has a way of consuming your thoughts. Long after the incident is over, you may find yourself replaying the event in your head, rehearsing alternative outcomes or considering what you will do differently tomorrow.

When your mind wanders, it becomes more challenging to pay attention to the road and changes in the environment that could impact your drive. Rather than taking off for your next destination, consider taking a few moments to deal with your emotions and commit to thinking about what happened when it will not distract you from the task at hand.

Getting in your vehicle means looking out for yourself, your passengers and those around you. Part of making your commute safe is being an attentive and careful driver.

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