Violence Behind the Wheel
Violence, the act of harming others psychologically, emotionally, or physically, is an increasing behavior in today’s society.
CAUSES OF ROAD RAGE
So many factors present in our daily lives can provoke aggressiveness:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personal dissatisfaction
- Economic problems
- Family conflicts
- Drugs abuse
- Intense territoriality
- Heavy traffic
- Time pressures
- Road works
- Hot temperatures
- Hereditary predisposition
MONSTERS BEHIND THE WHEEL
The emotional state can explain why a usually nice and calm person becomes a monster under some stimulus, reacting fiercely. This person can erupt into road rage over the slightest annoyance:
- A slow driver ahead
- A careless driver
- A sudden cut-off
- Someone tailgating for a while
- A driver abruptly changed lanes without indicating
- A driver insistently honking
VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
Road rage is a reflection of someone´s mental health and can trigger anti-social behavior:
- Insistent honking the horn
- Hostile gestures
- Insults and threats
- Yelling abuse
- Dangerous maneuvers on the road
- Excessive pressure on the vehicle in front
- Getting out of the car with a threatening attitude
- Physical or verbal aggression
- Cutting people off
- Hitting a car
- Running someone off the road
- Shooting or physically assaulting other drivers
HOW TO REACT TO A RAGEFUL DRIVER
You cannot control other`s reactions but certainly can resist engaging in a potentially dangerous situation by staying calm and following these suggestions:
- Do not react visibly; don`t gesture or show your frustration
- Do not honk
- Do not stare; avoid making eye contact
- If it was your fault, apologize; you`d be surprised how, recognizing one`s mistake, can cool down a heated situation.
- If apologizing doesn`t work, try to put distance between you and the rageful driver; let him go on ahead
- If there`s a threat of physical aggression, get in the vehicle, lock the doors, and call 911, try to film on a phone for evidence, or drive to the nearest police station.
M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
- Avoid road rage reciprocity at all costs; if you react in the same violent way, things can get extremely dangerous.
- Be patient and forgiving with the other drivers, we all make mistakes
- Drive safely and calmly; this will assure you get home without incidents.
- If the rageful driver is you and it`s a repetitive situation, you might want to seek professional help or therapy.
