Road rage in Florida and across the United States is a major safety hazard to drivers and their passengers. Angry driving on the roadways and the associated risky behaviors can lead to car accidents, sometimes with deadly consequences for the involved parties. Here is what you should know about road rage and car accidents.
What causes road rage?
Road rage is a well-studied psychological phenomenon. Drivers, especially in crowded conditions, often experience high amounts of stress. Due to the high stakes, drivers are often on high alert and tend to react much more strongly on an emotional level to incidents than they might in other aspects of everyday life.
The “anonymous” nature of driving, including feeling safe behind the wheel of the car and separated from other drivers by a barrier, can increase the aggressive behavior of drivers. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also worsen road rage.
How road rage leads to car accidents
Road rage can manifest in multiple dangerous driving behaviors, like driving fast and aggressively, becoming distracted or distracting other drivers, cutting off other drivers, slamming on the brakes, etc. While some drivers become more dangerous while experiencing road rage, this is not the norm; most drivers affected by road rage simply become irritated. However, given the dangerous nature of driving and the need for constant safety vigilance, in the rare cases when road rage morphs into dangerous driving habits, the motor vehicle accidents that result can be catastrophic.
When drivers act recklessly and cause an accident, their victims may be entitled to financial compensation for damages that they suffer. If you have been victimized by a road rage incident, knowing your rights and exercising them might make the difference between walking away empty-handed and achieving justice.
