According to researchers, Florida road rage incidents increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022. Road rage is when a driver expresses anger or aggression while behind the wheel. Some examples of road rage are excessive honking, chasing or blocking a vehicle, cursing, and physical violence.
Why is road rage dangerous?
Road rage can lead to severe motor vehicle accidents. Drivers who engage in road rage might speed, tailgate, dart in and out of traffic, or chase other vehicles. A motor vehicle accident is highly likely to occur under these circumstances. Most notably, a driver engaging in this activity can crash into another vehicle or object.
Physical violence is another potential outcome of road rage. Some road rage incidents never go beyond behavior like cursing or rude gestures. However, a seemingly minor annoyance may provoke someone to commit an act of violence.
In June 2023, NBC Miami reported a road-rage shooting that left one driver dead and another facing a murder charge. The shooter became enraged after the other driver’s vehicle rear-ended him.
Mental distress
Road rage affects those who are directly involved, and it can also have a negative impact on witnesses. Passengers, other drivers and pedestrians often report anxiety, depression and tension after witnessing an incidence of road rage. These negative feelings can possibly result in other instances of road rage or make other people afraid to drive.
Road rage is dangerous in all its forms. It causes a driver to lose focus, engage in reckless behavior and pose a threat to others on the road. Remaining calm and patient behind the wheel makes the road safer for everyone.