Road rage is fairly common, and it can lead to serious car accidents. Drivers lose control of their emotions and drive aggressively. They may even intentionally try to cause an accident – for example, by brake-checking someone behind them or running another driver off the road.
For calm, levelheaded drivers, this type of behavior is often perplexing. What could push someone to drive so aggressively that they intentionally cause a collision?
Crowded roads
One thing that researchers point to is that traffic congestion can lead to road rage. Drivers feel stressed and frustrated, even when traffic is moving smoothly. As soon as someone cuts them off or does something they don’t like, it pushes them over the tipping point.
Failing to see other people
One interesting psychological issue is that an angry driver won’t actually see those around them as humans or individuals. Instead, they tend to look specifically at the vehicle. They’re thinking about how “that pickup truck” cut them off, rather than considering the human driver in that truck.
This creates a concerning level of disconnect. If two people were face-to-face — in line at the grocery store, for example — they would likely adhere to social norms, be more courteous and keep their emotions in check. But when they’re in vehicles, they feel like there is a greater sense of distance between them. They stop thinking about each other as people, they throw social norms aside, and they’re much more likely to take aggressive action.
Seeking financial compensation
You may remain calm and in control every time you drive, but you could still be injured in a collision caused by someone with road rage. If this happens, you need to know what legal steps to take to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.
