When most people think of dangerous distractions while driving, texting and alcohol most likely come to mind first. Yet, what is less likely thought of and is still a viable threat is the danger of human emotions; they have the ability to cloud our thinking and perception – even in a vehicle. Most emotions if in an extreme state are a cause of distraction and danger, such as worry, anger, sadness, or even stress. A stressful situation can take form in many different ways, such as an upsetting phone call or a situation at work. In cases such as these, it is important to understand what steps to take next if behind the wheel.

If an emotional situation has happened and caught you unaware, the best thing to do is not to drive yet or if already in a vehicle, to pull over to the side of the road and take a couple of deep breaths with your eyes closed. The next step to take, if that does not work, is to take a short walk nearby the car in order to clear your head. It is also advised to take a drink of a non-alcoholic substance and to try to stop thinking about the situation by straying into unpleasant or distraught thoughts. Another common and effective suggestion is to turn on the radio or any other device that plays music in order to create a calm environment.

In some cases, feelings of stress and anxiety can be due to inappropriate amounts of time given to travel from a location to a given destination. If this is so, it is important to try and give yourself a little extra time when leaving the house. One source cites that drivers who experience extreme emotions (more common negative than positive) showed distraction results that were worse than those using a cellular device. If you are experiencing emotional distress while driving you may feel:

Studies have shown that teenagers in particular who have very emotional reactions (either positive or negative) were more dangerous driving than teenagers who displayed habits of road rage. USA Today warns parents that a portion of the brain that controls emotions as well as impulses is still developing. They also report that even though teenagers may display levels of mature behaviors in some areas that they still are impulsive in others.

Yet, even adults are not above being emotionally charged while operating their vehicles. Road rage is a serious problem while driving causing both injury and death along the side of freeways and highways. AAA reports that aggressive driving defined is a driver who tries to or succeeds injuring or killing another driver or pedestrian due to a dispute on the road. From 1990 to 1996, AAA alleges that 218 people were killed due to road rage incidents and that 12,610 people were injured in that same period of time. Here are some tips to avoid road rage:

This same source explains that usually the problem with rising emotions such as road rage comes because we are too busy thinking of ourselves, are taking our latest personal problems in the car or are just not exercising courtesy. It is especially important for parents who have teenagers to be a good example since they are at such a vulnerable age. This source alleges that road rage and emotional outbursts of aggressive behavior can be controlled by taking a personal look at your own life with the tips as a guide for success.