Commercial driving is a risky, and error prone endeavor that is often associated to be devoid of emotional control. So, exactly what are the issues that cause so much stress in drivers? Driving can potentially be a stressful experience. Moreover, anyone behind the wheel, whether commercial or personal faces unpredictable variables that otherwise cannot be controlled like weather conditions – can be minor, traffic, fatigue, and psychological health problems which can be more challenging. It is important for commercial drivers to drive safely. Here are some safety driving tips for commercial drivers.

Cost of Road Rage

Through evolution, our bodies have been designed around a simple fight-or-flight mechanism, in relation to stressful situations. Sitting in a car ultimately results to stress build up since there is no physical outlet. We can neither fight nor run, therefore tension simply builds up with no obvious outlet.

When an outlet does present itself, for example on another driver who is being irritable, there’s a potential danger of reacting aggressively leading to the so-called road rage.

Typical drivers exhibit this rage in three different ways, as the aggressor; who takes extreme actions against other motorists, making it well known he/she has been wronged. The Communicator; who simply communicates his/her displeasure and take no action through making vulgar statements and gestures or even honking the horn frantically. Finally, the silent avenger who has the potential of becoming an aggressor or a communicator

The cost of road rage is huge often resulting in loss of lives and livelihoods (loss of insurance and jobs, in the case of a commercial driver) through accidents.

Manage Your Emotions, Lower Stress

Your emotions, such as anger and grief, are the hidden causes of high blood pressure, the number 1 health problem for commercial drivers. While high blood pressure is caused by other factors like body chemical imbalances, unhealthy diet, or excessive weight, but it also reflects another major cause, bottled up anger and/or grief.

Luckily, there are practices that one can use to help defuse anger and manage grief to subsequently reduce blood pressure naturally. As a commercial driver, please consider these 7 strategies to manage your emotions as you drive:

1. Remind yourself that you’re in control of yourself, your emotions and your vehicle.
2. Recognize that it’s not your duty to manage other drivers’ behavior. Every driver is their own person and thoughts.
3. Stay cool and always drive defensively. Be on the lookout for drivers who are going too fast, traveling too close or driving erratically. If you notice a driver driving in a manner to suggest unsafely, keep your cool and drive away, or drive off the road for a moment, let them pass and continue.
4. Plan to enjoy your trip however it presents itself. Play your favorite jams. Have your non-alcoholic chilled beverage etc.
5. Keep your distance both physically and emotionally. Give plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
6. Set an example. Be the man, take the high road by showing others about what driving safe entails.
7. Learn to let it go. Regardless of the other drivers’ irritability, always learn to let go of any negative feelings creeping in.

Learn more about driving safely and schedule your DOT Physical Exam in Grand Junction

Here is how the process works:

1. Schedule and pay for your exam by clicking here
2. Arrive ready to complete minimal paperwork
3. We’ll do a thorough examination and determine your certification length
4. Also, you have the option of having us recommend wellness strategies that’ll improve your health

Make life easier by scheduling and paying for your DOT Physical in Grand Junction, Colorado at www.dotgj.com and save $10