Only into the second month of the year and instances of road rage in South Africa are on the rise. Nevertheless, no matter how minor an interaction may seem, it’s difficult not to become stressed by it. Imagine, you’re simply trying to go about your day, but traffic congestion, poor infrastructure and inadequate policing are all factors that contribute to this stress. That’s because, at its core, road rage is an emotional response triggered by multiple interconnected factors …
If you break down the anatomy of road rage in South Africa, it starts with the character of the driver. How he/she processes personal stress – whether it be work or personal – is the key. When you add irritation from a (perceived) traffic disruption into the mix, in weaker characters, this manifests into aggression and hostile acting out towards another motorist.
ROAD RAGE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Whether it be hooting, swearing, gesturing or worse – turning your vehicle into a means to spite the alleged offender – road rage often has little to do with the initial slight. Therefore, keep this in mind when you think you’re ‘getting your own back’. By flashing your lights, throwing all manner of fingers skywards you may think you’re reasserting your power on the road. However, all that’s happened is you’ve become ‘emotionally hijacked’.
Road rage in South Africa represents a potentially ruinous consequence for anyone involved, including prosecution, injury or even death. Leading psychologists have revealed that, at its core, those who feel rage on the roads are suffering from low self-esteem. People who blame others for the ills and injustices in their lives are more likely to feel slighted on the road. In turn, they will become involved in incidents of road rage in South Africa.
BE RATIONAL AND DISCIPLINED
Meanwhile, the converse is true for rational motorists who are able to exhibit awareness and self-discipline while driving. Specifically, those who drive without undue risk and don’t react to overly aggressive drivers around them. Also, those who own up to their mistakes and show empathy to other road users. Similar to internet trolls online, vehicles can create a sense of psychological armour. This makes drivers feel temporarily invincible. It is this metal-shell surrounding that reduces personal inhibitions and promotes more extreme emotional responses. Especially if the motorists is unable to exert similar control in their own personal life.
According to global traffic safety research, South Africa ranks alarmingly high for road rage incidents. Mzansi is often mentioned within the top five countries worldwide, alongside countries like Russia, Brazil and India. Furthermore, specific South African road-rage context includes:
- Diverse level of driving skills.
- Varying vehicle and road quality conditions.
- Socio-economic tensions.
HOW TO MITIGATE AGAINST ROAD RAGE
Ultimately, the only way to protect yourself against being ‘emotionally hi-jacked’ on the road is self-control by the following means:
- Personal stress management.
- Exercising mindfulness and awareness while driving.
- Identifying and interrupting quick-escalating emotional responses.
- Practicing empathy and patience. There’s still a human being in that car.
After all, traffic is the dipstick of our society. The onus is on you not to behave like one in 2025.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED ROAD RAGE IN 2025?
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