What happens when road rage escalates from annoyance to deadly threats? When a driver’s anger turns into aggression, the consequences can be devastating.
Survivors of a car accident caused by someone else’s road rage know the pain and frustration all too well. This blog takes a closer look at the dangers of road rage and what you can do to hold reckless drivers accountable for their actions.
The dangers of road rage
Road rage involves violent and aggressive behaviors that drivers demonstrate due to frustration. These actions can manifest in several ways, such as tailgating, making rude gestures and alighting the car to confront another driver.
The danger escalates when guns are involved. According to a 2022 report, injuries and fatalities related to road rage have increased yearly since 2018. In 2021, over 500 people got hurt or died in over 700 road rage shooting incidents.
There are different factors that can contribute to road rage. These include:
- Stress: If you’re already frustrated before setting off, the added stress of running late because of traffic may push you over the edge.
- Tiredness: Fatigued drivers who want to get home as soon as possible can be more impatient on the road.
- Emotion: If you are already feeling emotional, the frustrations of other drivers may easily affect your behavior, too.
These are only some factors that may lead to road rage for drivers. While they seem inconsequential on their own, a combination of long drives, heavy traffic and impatient drivers may lead to dangerous behaviors.
Keeping the roads safe
Road rage is a pervasive and deadly problem that affects us all. It’s a menace that lurks on every highway, street and intersection, waiting to strike without warning.
If you sustained a painful injury in a car accident due to someone else’s road rage, you deserve justice and compensation. Consider seeking out the help of a qualified attorney who can help and guide you through the process and fight for your rights. With their help, you can contribute to creating safer roads for everyone.