In recent years, road rage has become a significant public safety concern. According to Pew Research surveys, 49% of Americans say that people in their area are driving more dangerously now than in previous years.
Unfortunately, drivers aren’t just imagining this. According to data from the 2022 AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index, 83% of drivers believe that aggressive driving behavior is dangerous. Yet, 27.1% admit to having driven 15 or more miles over the speed limit a few times on a freeway in the last 30 days. Over ten percent admitted to driving through a red light or switching lanes quickly and aggressively multiple times in the same period.
If you have been involved in a car accident due to someone else’s road rage, you know how scary it can be and the devastating effects it can produce. Discover why people reach a breaking point behind the wheel and what you can do if you are a victim.
What Is Road Rage?
Road rage happens when a driver’s anger or frustration leads to intentional actions that threaten or harm others on the road. Some behaviors associated with road rage include:
- Speeding
- Quick lane changes
- Ignoring traffic laws
- Shoulder passing
- Brandishing weapons
- Hitting other vehicles intentionally
While road rage incidents may end in assault, these incidents don’t have to involve physical harm to the other driver to be labeled this way.
The Causes Of Road Rage
Road rage rarely stems from one universal cause. Here are several issues that may push a driver to begin acting aggressively on the road.
Stress
Drivers may be tired from a long day at work, frustrated by hot weather, or worried about getting to work on time. They may also be experiencing personal stressors, such as financial pressure or strained relationships. If they can’t manage their stress, they may become easily frustrated and irritable as a result, leading to poor decision-making on the road.
Perceived Slights
A driver may feel that you or another driver has disregarded or disrespected them. For example, they may think you cut them off when trying to move into their lane or honked your horn at them for no reason. As tension escalates, this can lead to the potential for aggressive behavior.
Personality Traits
Some drivers may just have a personality prone to anger or negative feelings. If someone is already used to using outward aggression to deal with their inward anger, this could easily show up in a high-stress driving situation.
The Serious Consequences Of A Road Rage Incident
Road rage isn’t an innocent act. It can have significant negative impacts on both the victim and the perpetrator, including:
- Injury or Death: Cars moving erratically or at high speeds can cause car accidents in which someone dies or sustains a brain injury or other bodily harm.
- Property Damage: Both cars may need significant repairs or even total replacement.
- Psychological Harm: Victims may become scared to drive or fear that something bad may happen if they unintentionally frustrate another driver.
- Traffic Violations: Enraged drivers can incur fines and penalties for violating traffic laws and driving recklessly.
- Criminal Charges: Reckless driving can lead to license suspensions or jail time.
These potential consequences highlight the dangers of road rage and how it affects the health and safety of all drivers.
If you are currently trying to navigate the aftermath of a road rage incident, hiring an Edina car crash attorney ensures you have an advocate fighting for your rights at all times.
Contact the Minnesota Personal Injury Law Firm of Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198
