We know well that road rage can lead to serious and even fatal accidents. There are many examples of drivers running other drivers off of the road, intentionally ramming into their cars and even getting out of their vehicles with firearms when a disagreement escalates.
But why does this happen in the first place? Why is it that society sees these incidents of road rage, which tend not to happen in other settings? For instance, someone who gets cut off in line at the grocery store may roll their eyes in annoyance or even speak up, but someone who gets cut off on the freeway may fly into a fit of rage.
A big reason is stress. Driving itself can become very stressful. People may have outside stress, such as stress from work or a marriage, that already has them on edge. A traffic jam just pushes things up another notch. When someone then cuts them off in the traffic jam, their anger isn’t just about that incident. It’s about all of the things that are adding up in their life.
You may also have to consider the life-or-death consequences of a car accident. If someone drives unsafely, they’re showing a disregard for the other person’s very life. It’s not just about getting cut off. It’s the perception that the other person acted so selfishly that to save a few seconds on the road, they opted to risk someone else’s life or health.
These are just a few of the factors that create road rage, but it is very dangerous, regardless of why it happens. Those who get injured in accidents must know what legal steps they can take.
