Control That Temper! The Unbelievable Dangers of Road Rage

Road Rage Facts

Some experts attribute the increase in road rage incidents to the overcrowding of American roads. Other mental health professionals believe road rage stems from a need to be in control and dominate the road, resulting in numerous injuries and traffic fatalities. In fact, nearly two-thirds of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving.

Road ragers engage in many dangerous behaviors while driving including tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and blocking cars from passing. Many extreme cases involve intentional collisions, fist fights, and firearms (a whopping 37% of these incidents involve firearms).

In addition to horrific injuries, road rage can also result in vehicle damage. Rear-end collisions and side-swipes can do serious body damage to a vehicle. So, what can you do if you are involved in a road rage incident around Overland Park or Olathe, KS? Whether you have been a victim of road rage, or if you feel you might be guilty of it yourself, there are certain steps you can take to prevent further damage.

1. Think you might be a victim?

If you see someone exhibiting road rage and targeting your vehicle, take control of the situation to protect yourself. Change lanes if someone is following too closely, or slow down and let them pass. Don’t engage in a battle of rude gestures, and avoid eye contact with the aggressor. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

3. Are your driving behaviors causing others to have road rage?

While all drivers have a personal responsibility to control their tempers behind the wheel, it’s true that some behaviors can make even the most mild-mannered driver see red. To help you retroactively combat road rage in other drivers:

• Put your cell phone away while driving and be sure to pay attention to the road
• Always use your turn signals prior to tapping your brakes
• Be aware of oncoming traffic when using high beams
• Check blind spots while changing lanes
• Look both ways when turning onto busy streets.

Road rage can happen anywhere, not just during heavy Kansas City traffic. Many incidents even involve parked vehicles in a parking lot or residential driveway. In addition to the tips mentioned above, be sure to carry sufficient insurance coverage in case of an incident.

Come to Our Collision Centers near Kansas City

The staff at McCarthy Collision Centers have seen their fair share of damage caused by road rage incidents. If your vehicle is damaged because of another driver’s road rage, be sure to get their license plate number and call 911. Once any danger has subsided, call 800-NEW-AGAIN. Our expertise will have your car looking like new again in no time.

With a premier body shop in Lees’ Summit, MO, as well as four others throughout the greater KC area, we make it simple and convenient to get your car into shape after an accident. Please feel free to contact your nearest McCarthy body shop for more information on Kansas City collision repair and how to protect your vehicle from road rage damage.

Sources:

• http://www.webmd.com/women/features/root-cause-of-road-rage
• http://www.safemotorist.com/articles/road_rage.aspx
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-act-violence/201301/the-psychology-road-rage