Following a recent Calgary road rage incident that resulted in hospitalization, registered psychologist Dr. Patrick Keelan shared valuable insights with CTV News on how drivers can better manage their emotions and stay safe.
The Key to Emotional Control
Dr. Keelan explains that the secret to handling road conflicts lies in preparation, not reaction. “Many times, people react in an inappropriate way because they’re acting on impulse. They’re not ready for it,” he told CTV News.
His solution? Mental rehearsal. “The more you rehearse these situations ahead of time, anticipating them, preparing for them, practicing how you’re going to respond constructively, the more you’ll handle it better.”
Dr. Keelan compares this to how hockey players resist provocations during playoff games—those who act impulsively take penalties that hurt their team.
Beyond the Road
Managing road rage isn’t just about driving—it’s about overall stress management. Dr. Keelan recommends practicing relaxed breathing techniques and developing better emotional awareness in daily life.
“The more people can manage stress better, the more likely they can manage their emotions better in a specific incident, including managing anger,” he explained.
Why It Matters
The recent Calgary incident, where a traffic dispute between a driver and e-bike rider escalated to physical violence, demonstrates how quickly situations can spiral out of control. Dr. Keelan’s expert advice provides practical tools for preventing such dangerous escalations.
Read the complete CTV News interview with Dr. Keelan and additional road safety tips here.
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