Drivers generally understand that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous, but they rarely think driving while they are annoyed or angry as a threat to their safety.
However, when drivers get upset, they often time take their emotions out on other drivers, endangering themselves and others. Unfortunately, accidents involving these types of drivers reportedly increased during the pandemic.
Road rage on the rise
According to a report from the Pew Charitable Trusts, incidents involving aggressive drivers last year were the highest they had been in recent years. In fact, on average, 42 drivers per month were shot during a road rage incident last year.
Other road rage incidents involved angry exchanges, aggressive driving and even crashing or nearly crashing into others.
Sources suggest a connection between this troubling trend and the pandemic, citing increased stress and shorter fuses that people have experienced over the last year.
Why is rage so dangerous?
Being angry, hostile or threatening behind the wheel can make a driver unpredictable and volatile. They may follow others much too closely or drive erratically to try and cut someone off. Angry drivers can also be more likely to speed and violate traffic laws than someone calmer.
And even if road rage is not the cause of an accident, it can make a crash even worse. Angry drivers may flee the scene or assault the other parties involved after pulling over. They might even run someone over in the heat of a rage response.
Avoiding, responding to accidents
When you get in your car, it is crucial to try and avoid lashing out at others. Focus on staying calm and reaching your destination safely. If another driver does something you don’t like, try not to let an anonymous slight make you lose perspective.
If you wind up getting hurt in an accident involving a driver with road rage, you can hold them accountable with a legal claim. To explore this option, you can call The Quinn Law Firm attorneys at 814-806-2518 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
