Reasons For Road Rage
In a study released by the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety, nearly 80% of drivers have expressed some degree of road rage in the last year. From yelling and tailgating, to physically confronting one another, road rage is a dangerous, yet common habit.
Even those who usually are mild-mannered can express anger from behind the wheel. So why do we lose control when we get in the driver’s seat? What is it about traffic, cars, and driving that make us so angry?
Psychology of Road Rage
There are several psychological reasons for road rage that look beyond the frustrations of heavy traffic and slow drivers. Aggressive behavior seems to rise in instances of overcrowding.
In a psychotherapy study of overcrowding rats, it was found that the rats were fine until they were all confined to a small space. Then, they began to demonstrate aggression toward one another. The scientists observed that crowding could cause aggression–a point that seems true among humans as well.
Such aggression is amplified when overcrowded people get inside a car where their identity is concealed. When we and those around us become faceless within our vehicles, our anger is deemed more socially appropriate. Our actions and perhaps anger is anonymous. That’s why in a crowded grocery store, people are more likely to show consideration and politeness. But when we feel as though we won’t face any social consequences (i.e., weird looks, or assumptions that we’re inherently angry), we are more likely to express anger.
Staying safe on the road begins with you and smart driving habits. Be sure that each time you get behind the wheel, to drive undistracted, unimpaired, and ready for the unexpected — however, some things you cannot control, especially while driving. If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to reach out for legal help.
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. is an experienced, compassionate, and expert law firm, ready to assist you. Reach out for the legal advocacy you deserve today! The apparent problem, however, is that there are consequences. And they range from getting a citation to causing a fatal injury.
Consequences of Road Rage
The consequences of road rage include:
- Getting a ticket for speeding, reckless driving, or something of the sort
- Getting arrested
- Physical altercation
- Having your license revoked
- Losing or adding expenses to your auto insurance policy
- Damaging your, or someone else’s car
- Getting sued
- Injuring or even killing someone in your or someone else’s car
Though at the moment, road rage may seem insurmountable, there are solutions to refrain from such a dangerous habit. Keep in mind, however, that while these are easy to list and talk about, they are far more challenging to practice. So, embrace a journey of change and betterment. Work for progress, though it may be slow. Consider implementing the following as you drive:
- Understand that your job as a driver is not to teach someone a lesson. It is to drive defensively and to concentrate intently on your own actions. Refrain from making unnecessary eye contact and having too much concern for those around you.
- Practice stress-relieving exercises as you drive. This will take a bit of discipline and finding what works for you. However, things like controlled breathing can be beneficial.
Despite its prevalence, road rage is exceptionally dangerous. And no matter the confidence you may feel from behind the wheel, realize the inherent hazard of driving. It is your responsibility to operate your vehicle safely at all times, in spite of your emotions.
Contacting an Attorney at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc.
If you or a loved one has suffered from the consequences of a road rage-caused accident, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance. William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. is prepared to advocate for your claim against negligent driving to promote safer roads everywhere. Call on us today.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.