Aggressive driving is a dangerous form of behavior, yet, it is something that’s seen far too often. In fact, some studies suggest that aggressive driving is a factor in half of all fatal road traffic collisions.
Aggressive driving is also commonly referred to as road rage. What causes people to act out aggressively on the roads?
High levels of stress
Everyone goes through difficult times in life, and some periods involve high levels of stress. Driving in itself is a stressful activity, even if it is not commonly thought of this way. Road users are expected to travel at relatively high speeds and make important decisions every second on the road. Being stressed before setting off only adds fuel to the fire, and it can become overwhelming. If an individual has had a heated argument just before setting off, then it’s highly likely that this will surface as road rage if they opt to drive soon after the confrontation.
Impatience or entitlement
Driving is one of the most efficient ways to get around, which is why so many people chose this mode of transport. With that being said, this also means that the roads can get very busy. Traffic jams result in nobody getting anywhere fast, and this can be infuriating, particularly for those who are late for work or an appointment. Some drivers may form the opinion that their journey is much more important than anyone else’s and that they shouldn’t be inconvenienced by traffic. Such beliefs can not only result in erratic driving behavior but also increased aggression and road rage.
Road rage is a serious danger that should not be overlooked. If you have been injured because of another driver’s aggression, be sure to look into your legal options.
