We’ve all done it: getting angry at inconsiderate road users is an instinctive reaction, after all. But if at all possible it’s worth getting into the habit of letting such situations pass without comment or heightened blood pressure. An angry driver is a dangerous driver; if you if you find yourself getting easily wound up on the road, your performance will suffer -- and before you know it you'll need to make a claim on your car insurance because you've wound up involved in an accident that was entirely preventable.

So, how to avoid getting stressed out on the road? Well, first and foremost, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. If you leave at the last minute and are in a desperate rush to get to where you need to be, you’re bound to be affected more by the person driving slowly in front of you or the person who cut you up at the last junction. Give yourself a generous window to complete your journey in and you’ll find yourself calmer than you otherwise would be.

Temperatures rising in a literal sense can lead to the same thing happening metaphorically, so try to keep your vehicle cool if you’re driving in hot conditions. Use your car’s air conditioning system if it has one -- or simply lower your window in order to keep cool and calm.

Having rowdy kids in the back of the car is another common reason for drivers becoming stressed out. Do what you can to avoid such issues by giving the children in question plenty to keep them occupied along the way -- especially if it’s shaping up to be a long journey. Books and games are a good way for them to pass the time -- or, if you can afford it, an entertainment system installed in the back can be a real boost.

Using a sat nav can also go a long way to reducing stress -- especially if it can keep you abreast of any potential traffic problems up ahead. Heading into a huge tailback is bound to get your back up, so use the technology to its fullest and plan out a traffic jam-free route.

Whatever works for you, it’s important to do what you can to keep your stress levels down when behind the wheel -- not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of other road users.