How Road Rage Effects Traffic

Road rage is an interesting phenomenon because there are many contributing factors, and the affects resulting from a road rage mentality are far-reaching, yet difficult to assess or quantify. In many ways, road rage is still a mystery to scientists and others who have done studies on it. It is unknown whether it is an actual mental disorder, in which some are more prone to it than others, or whether it is something more to do with society and the way people act when isolated. One thing is for sure though, driving is a very stressful situation, or at least it can be. It does seem as if some people are in fact more prone to the triggers that cause road rage (i.e. people who have anger management issues, other mental disorders, or the inability to cope with various stressors and stress triggers.) Studies have shown that there are many affects that result from road rage- on the body, in the mind, and even on the road in terms of things like traffic and the general climate of driving on roads shared by many people at the same time.

What Is Road Rage?

Essentially road rage is typically defined as someone who drives aggressively. The aggression differs from person to person, but can include things like profanity, dangerous driving, horn honking and sometimes even fights and confrontations- some of which have resulted in random deaths and serious injuries. Road rage is a very strange thing because the scope of it has not been totally realized yet. Neither have the causes. But, there have been studies that have shown ways in which people can reduce their stress while driving and thus lessen the instances of road rage (i.e. anger management, therapy, meditation, proper diet and getting enough sleep.)

Road Rage’s Effects On Traffic

There are definitely many negative effects that can result from road rage. The largest effect is the fact that it drastically impacts road, driver and public safety. Studies have shown that road rage increases the chances of accidents and collisions, among other things. There have been some interesting studies that show that people aged 18-24 are much more prone to road rage than people who are older. There are also studies that have shown that road rage is more prevalent in people with children in the car than with people who are by themselves when driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly two-thirds of all traffic fatalities can be attributed to aggressive driving habits and road rage-like behavior. So, the effects on traffic can be quite severe and are very serious.

Bobby B. is a freelance writer for many websites, blogs, newspapers, magazines and other forms of media. He spends most of his time writing, and the other time driving around in his car looking for something fun to do. He has experienced road rage before, but learned how to control it through meditation and understanding. Click here to read about the latest Road Rage Study.