Michigan is one of the country’s safest states against road rage fatalities in the country. Based on 2017 to 2021 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road rage contributed to only 0.03% of fatal accidents in the state.
In this article, you’ll learn how road rage affects your driving skills or cause you to make poor decisions. You’ll also get helpful tips on avoiding driving aggressively and staying safe in your car.
What is Road Rage?
Road rage is defined as a combination of stress, anger, and frustration that results to violent actions while driving. It can be provoked or unprovoked and directed towards another driver or pedestrian.
It is manifested through violent behavior such as yelling profane words and hostile gestures like tailgating. An aggressive driver can go as far as getting out of his vehicle to carry out physical violence or verbal attacks. Other examples include:
- Ramming other vehicles
- Sideswiping other vehicles
- Going beyond the speed limit
- Deliberately switching lanes too close to other motorists
The American Psychological Society identified several factors that contribute to road rage:
- Environmental factors like poor weather conditions or crowded highways
- Psychological factors like displaced anger and high stress levels
- Other factors, such as substance and alcohol abuse
The Impact of Road Rage on Driving Skills
Road rage affects driving skills and judgment. Failing to control your feelings lead to tunnel vision. You become out of focus and will increase the risk of making poor decisions and causing accidents.
Impaired judgment and concentration
Even the best drivers get consumed by anger. Their focus changes from the highway to their frustration and emotions. This leads to physical reactions such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, making it difficult to concentrate on driving. Distracted drivers are less aware of traffic conditions and dangerous situations.
Dangerous maneuvers
Road rage causes a driver to do dangerous maneuvers such as tailgating and reckless traffic lane changes. Defensive driving skills are forgotten since an aggressive driver can’t stay calm to properly assess danger.
Driving skills of other drivers are also affected
Road rage not only affects the aggressive driver, but the other drivers in the area as well. Seeing road rage incidents will have a psychological effect. Anxiety, stress, and fear are triggered upon seeing violent behavior. This will have a severe impact on their driving skills and judgment. A cycle of violent actions ensues on the highway, further compromising the safety of motorists.
Rights of Road Rage Victims
Road rage victims have the right to file a claim against an aggressive driver. You can file a lawsuit for your losses, injuries, and damages. A car insurer must provide coverage for motor vehicles affected by such incidents.
If there is gross negligence or intentional misconduct, you may be able to claim or sue for:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Future economic damages
Victims can still file claim in case of accidents not caused by intentional conduct. These are classified as No-Fault PIP insurance benefits.
Legal Consequences of Road Rage
Aggressive driving can lead to license suspension or revocation in the United States. The penalty may also vary if it’s your first offense or second offense.
There are no road rage laws in Michigan. In fact, road rage by itself is not considered a criminal offense. It is the consequences of road rage that are considered to be one.
Drivers who don’t drive safely and put other drivers at risk will face serious penalties. You can be charged with any of the following:
- Reckless driving: This is considered as a felony. You may face five years in prison if you cause serious impairment of body function to another person.
- Assault using a dangerous weapon: This happens if you used your car in a manner that caused an accident, serious injury, or death. You may be sentenced to four years, ten years, or lifetime imprisonment.
- Intentionally discharging a firearm from a vehicle: This is a felony punishable by:
- A maximum of 10 years imprisonment for endangering another person’s safety.
- A maximum of 15 years imprisonment for inflicting physical injury to another person.
- Life imprisonment for causing death of another person
Prevention and Safety Tips to Reduce Road Rage Incidents
The best way to avoid road rage is to remain calm and not engage in this behavior. Always remember these prevention and safety tips:
- Don’t respond. Avoid doing nonverbal communication that can be easily misinterpreted by another motorist. An example is doing hand gestures that can worsen a developing situation.
- Practice courtesy. Even if you’re already running out of patience, stay calm and remain courteous. Most people appreciate courtesy cues, such as waving or saying sorry. Feeling mistreated or disrespected can alleviate stress. Acknowledging your fault can go a long way in preventing road rage from happening.
- Don’t retaliate. If you see other cars tailgating you, try to switch lanes. If you see a vehicle that seems to be speeding, the driver may already be running late. Let him pass.
- Remain calm. Take a few seconds and do some deep breaths. This will help you get over the stress and defuse the situation.
- Always stay within the speed limit, even if you’re already running late. Speeding is not worth sacrificing a life, nor is it worth going to jail for.
- Report aggressive drivers to law enforcement officers. If you feel that the other driver is already becoming violent, call 911 right away. You can also go to the nearest police station in your area.
- Practice defensive driving skills to avoid road rage.
- Don’t forget to use the turn signal when turning or returning to the traffic lane.
- Don’t block lanes, especially the passing lane.
- Always fix your eyes on the road and focus what’s happening in front of you. Don’t multitask.
How The Clark Law Office Can Help
Aggressive driving can greatly affect your ability to make rational decisions on the road. It is important to consistently practice safe driving to avoid causing accidents or put other drivers at risk.
If you have already taken all measures to prevent road rage or avoid aggressive driving but still became a victim, we can help. The Clark Law Office has a team of personal injury lawyers who can take control and help you file a claim. Book an appointment with us today.
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