There has been a notable increase in the number of “road rage” incidents happening over the past few years, with aggressive driving overall becoming more frequent. This has resulted in more people getting injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents that might have been avoided if not for an overly aggressive driver. But why exactly is road rage becoming more common, and what can you do about it?

What is Road Rage?

“Road rage” is a colloquial term commonly used to refer to the phenomenon of aggressive driving. This typically involves people engaging in intentionally risky driving habits, such as speeding, tailgating, or cutting people off in traffic, which can increase the chances of an accident occurring. In more extreme circumstances, road rage can escalate to intentional acts of violence, including attempting to run people off the road or shooting at other drivers.

Why is it Becoming More Common?

While there is no one cause that can be definitively identified as the reason for the increase in road rage incidents, at least some of it has been blamed on the lingering effects of the pandemic. A combination of social isolation, increased psychological stress, and economic hardship has come together to negatively impact people’s abilities to function in normal society. This, in turn, may encourage them to lash out in whatever ways they find acceptable, including through aggressive driving.

What is the Impact of This Increase in Road Rage Incidents?

The effect of this increase in road rage is that more people are being injured or killed in aggressive driving accidents. In addition, there have been more cases of explicit violence carried out by drivers against other drivers on the road, including beatings and shootings. On the whole, this has made driving substantially more dangerous, and drivers have become more wary of other drivers on the road as a result.

What Can You Do About It?

There is no absolutely certain way to protect against road rage and other aggressive driving habits. However, you can try to limit the risk to yourself and your passengers by practicing defensive driving, watching other drivers and keeping away from anyone engaged in risky driving behaviors. This can not only help you avoid an accident, it can also reduce the chances of a serious injury if you do get into a crash.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.