Managing Road Rage: Not Just For Drivers

Source: Pixabay under Creative Commons

By now, almost everyone in the country has heard about the road rage killing of a cyclist last July 25. Luckily, the perpetrator was caught a few days later. Based on initial interrogation, it seems the victim's actions and attitude provoked the fistfight which eventually led to the suspect shooting the victim dead.

This incident brings to mind how easily road rage can get out of hand and how one can take steps to make sure you don't become either the victim or the perpetrator of a road rage crime. Top Gear Philippines has some useful tips for vehicle drivers but even commuters are not immune to feeling road rage.

When someone cuts the line while you're queuing for that train ticket or elbows you aside as you're trying to fit into that crowded MRT coach, these are just some of the incidents that can bring out your inner volcano. Facebook is filled with videos of commuters engaged in fistfights over some perceived insult during the train ride.

If you don't want to end up on video, or worse in the hospital or morgue, take note of these tips to manage your temper when commuting:

1. It's easy to get pissed off at the slightest offense when you're tired or hungry, especially if you're in a rush. So before heading out, try to eat a light snack and be a little rested or have short rest stops when changing rides. Make sure you also empty your bladder (and your bowels) first.

2. Budget enough time to get to your destination. Every little infraction screams at you when you know the clock is ticking and you're already late.

3. If something happens that really ticks you off, try to take several deep and measured breaths before reacting (hard to do, I know). An example of a measured breath is to inhale for 7 counts, pause for one count, exhale for 7 counts then pause again before inhaling again. Do this several times until you feel yourself calming down.

Often when we're angry our breathing becomes ragged sometimes to the point of panting. When you control your breath, more often than not your emotions also get controlled.

4. This sounds a bit cheesy, but think that even if you feel slighted over what another commuter may have done to you, be thankful that you can move, still have a home to go home to, have loved ones waiting for you, etc. and that love for you will not change no matter what passing remark or provocation someone else would have thrown your way.

5. Be the type of person you would want to meet. So follow the pedestrian rules, be respectful of fellow commuters and basically don't be the type of person someone would want to beat down "because he had it coming."

These are just simple tips but hopefully they will help you to safely navigate the chaos that is Metro Manila commuting.