JazzySushi
JazzySushi

Road rage, regrets and thoughts!

Not really sure if this is the right place to put this up but I wanted to take it out somewhere. I happened to be in a road rage recently. There was this Rapido/Uber biker who was driving rashly. I had seen him but didn’t bother and I was going my way. Suddenly, he overtook me from left and his handle hit on my bike handle. I shouted in panic and he was saying some random shit looking at me - You need to watch out, bro.. something like that. I was safe and don’t think even the bike had any damage but I lost my calm and wanted to kind of scold him for how he was riding. I followed him driving rashly again for about 500m and caught up and shouted at him saying - bhai shanti se chala or nahi chalana aata hai toh kyun chala rhe ho. And I realised I was about to head on hit an auto wala but braked on time. That auto wala started giving me hand gestures. He was right. I did drive rash.

In the meanwhile, that biker guy went crazy. He got off his bike, took his helmet and signalled at hitting me. The auto wala was standing beside me and he asked what was happening. I said this guy hit my bike and tried to run away. The biker was speaking some rubbish something like - I warned you there also bro.. I went a little numb and didn’t figure what was happening. This guy hit me with his hand on my helmet. I didn’t get hurt but felt the blow. I tried saying something but nothing came out. He hit me again the same way. The auto wala tried to stop him. He kept abusing and then left. I was numb for a few mins. Left from there and reached home safe.

I am just not able to get these thoughts off my head. The incident keeps flashing. I feel lucky to not have removed my helmet, tried to hit him back because I don’t know what that could have led to. It was clearly my mistake that I lost my calm and followed him in the first place knowing he was a rapido biker. I don’t know why I did that - may be work stress or may be some other trauma. I have been bullied at times in my childhood when I

12mo ago
Find out if you are being paid fairly.Download Grapevine
FluffyCupcake
FluffyCupcake
Amazon12mo

I see one solution to this, work on your fitness/body. It will help in two ways -

  1. Give you confidence by making stronger
  2. Will add patience, calmness (Weightlifting)
JazzySushi
JazzySushi

Understood. Thanks much for sharing this. I must try this. Just curious - wouldn’t weightlifting keep me pumped up and I might instead feel in better position to get back to the other person? The biggest fear that I have is me losing my calm and getting into fights in the heat of the moment.

GroovyPickle
GroovyPickle

Lifting weights will not necessary pump you up unless you are lifting heavy weights. Keep it in moderate levels so that you feel fit and gives you the mental strength that you can handle a physical altercation if needed. It's not of self defense need. However, do not get into a fists and punches fight on the street. Totally not worth it and most of us are not tuned to it. Also, knowing the local language helps us manage these situations better

JazzySushi
JazzySushi

I have been bullied at times in my childhood when I couldn’t get back to them as I always felt that I am weak and timid. When such incidents happen, at time those childhood memories trigger and I just can't keep myself from getting angry / fighting back. I have heard / read multiple events on how road rages can get escalated and I am scared that I might again not be able to stay calm in such situations and react aggressively and open bigger troubles for myself.

How can one deal with this, really?

ZoomyMuffin
ZoomyMuffin

IMO don’t engage with these buffoons and let them drive rash and do whatever they want with their lives.

They have lot’s of time to waste and fighting is road is something they do everyday.

JazzySushi
JazzySushi

Can’t ageee more. Some times, it’s difficult to get why would people resort to violence so easily.

SnoozyUnicorn
SnoozyUnicorn
Student12mo

My opinion:

  1. Always try to avoid road rage no matter what. If your vehicle is damaged, insurance is gonna cover it mostly, and if not also it’s fine, a few bucks for repair ain’t gonna make you broke. I understand that it all happened within a few seconds, but always try to remain calm. You never know who the opposite party might be. You benefit nothing from the road rage. A Rapido wala is not gonna pay you for damages anyways.
  2. As some ppl have already suggested, try working on your body. Trust me, it gives you immense confidence. Not just during road rage, but this confidence comes in handy during all walks of life.
  3. In unavoidable cases wherein the opposite person has initiated a road rage, don’t get scared. If they shout at you and hit you, don’t get all defensive. Assert your dominance as well. Road rage ain’t about who’s more stronger, chances are the opposite person is not some bodybuilder. Don’t let them bully you, if they hit you twice, give at least one back. Again only on unavoidable circumstances 😅

Road rage is very common in India. If you have a car, I would suggest buying a dash cam. Insure your vehicles with the best insurance policies. Always wear a helmet while riding.

SillyJellybean
SillyJellybean

Get into boxing or MMA. Helps you control fight or flight response. Helps to be buff, people don't mess with you.

BouncyJellybean
BouncyJellybean

Strong people always run away from confrontational situations like this.

So next time please forgive and forget and run away.

Discover more
Curated from across