It seems as if everyday there’s another news story about road rage incidents being on the rise. All over the country, drivers are finding themselves increasingly stressed behind the wheel, and this can lead to the potential for accidents and injuries. Before you get back out on the road, check out this list of the top 10 causes for road rage from personal injury attorney Eric J. Hertz:
1. Time
Time, or the lack thereof, is often a cause of road rage. Whether it be due to running late, construction delays or traffic delays, many people find that their stress levels go up dramatically when they aren’t getting where they need to be on time.
2. Speed
People who drive above and below the speed limit often cause road rage. When you’re trying to travel at the speed limit and you get stuck behind someone driving under it, it can be a cause for stress.
3. Outside Stress
As noted, stress is one of the biggest factors in road rage incidents, and this means that outside stress, such as relationship problems, can lead drivers to become angry quickly.
4. Distractions
Distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel, can lead drivers to change lanes without looking, cut other drivers off and more, often leading to road rage.
5. Intoxication
Intoxication can cause drivers to do things they might not normally do, including intentionally cutting off other drivers, shouting from the vehicle and blowing the horn out of anger.
6. Peer Pressure
Although usually seen in younger drivers, peer pressure behind the wheel can lead drivers to act out when they normally wouldn’t. This might be the case when a car full of teenagers provokes a driver for no particular reason.
7. Improper Equipment
Drivers who don’t maintain their vehicles can cause road rage by not having brake lights, stopping too quickly or not having the ability to accelerate fast enough. In addition, drivers who only have one headlight that is left on the high-beam setting can lead to other drivers becoming angry.
8. Traffic
Heavy traffic leads to stress, and as mentioned, stress leads to road rage. This is especially true when a multi-lane highway is congested or in areas where construction is causing traffic to become congested.
9. Tailgating
Drivers who follow too closely, especially at night, can cause road rage. No one wants to have to worry about being hit from behind, and tailgating drivers are also more likely to try to pass in unsafe areas.
10. Offensive Driving
While the majority of drivers practice defensive driving, some practice offensive driving. Offensive drivers often take a “me first” approach to the road, and as a result, they are more likely to cut other drivers off, weave in and out of traffic, pass illegally and speed. Because of their behavior, other drivers tend to become angry, leading to road rage.
If you’ve been the victim of a road rage incident and you’ve suffered injuries, call personal injury attorney Eric J. Hertz at 404-577-8111 to find out your options for seeking compensation.