Drivers who vent their frustration and stress by becoming aggressive and sometimes violent are deemed to be engaging in road rage. However, doctors have named this behavior intermittent explosive disorder. New studies have suggested that it is far more common than was ever realized and affects nearly 16 million Americans each year.
While the focus of road rage tends to be on the people it is directed at as well as innocent bystanders, little is understood about its affects on the offenders themselves. For instance, research has found that initial aggressive stimulation is very harmful to the human body, particularly when it recurs repeatedly.
When people get angry, they are essentially pouring stress hormones into the blood system which is extremely harmful to the heart and other functioning parts of the body. As a result, if this type of anger and impatience in driving is experienced every day for most of a person’s life, it is really going to take its toll over the years. Therefore, a person engaging in road rage on a regular basis will experience very strong negative health effects for the duration of their lives.
Also, when motorists engage in a physical altercation, there is a strong chance that a fight will cause damage to the human body as well. In fact, these types of road rage fights occur on average 1,200 times each year. In turn, this increases costs for fines, medical bills, court costs and attorney fees, much of which continue for a very long time.
Mental Health
Just as with any illness or stress on the body, its effect on the brain and mental capacity of individuals can be very damaging. Not only does the repeated release of stress hormones wear down the immune system, but it affects brain function as well. This can create a situation where the mental capacity of an individual will become diminished. As a result, this may affect their relationships, ability to earn a living and every aspect of their lives.
Persons who engage in road rage wind up paying high fines, court costs, legal fees and serving jail sentences but are also damaged mentally, sometimes beyond repair. This is because the costs associated with defending and managing a road rage case can be financially devastating. According to one Miami car crash attorney, just dealing with the insurance agencies or the legal system can cause anguish and stress even beyond the monetary cost.
Damage to the Public
Drivers perpetrating road rage on other motorists and the public cause the injury or death of nearly 1,500 people each year. Additionally, aggressive driving and explosive tempers also cause damage to roads, structures and police officers. As a result, road rage offenses garner stiff and costly penalties. The guilt associated with these circumstances also cause stress for offenders as they must deal with all of the consequences.
Long Term Affects
The effects of road rage on health can last a lifetime and even be fatal for perpetrators as they confront costs for medical expenses for everyone involved, increased insurance fees, loss of income and pain and suffering damages. Courts may also assess fines, mandate that offenders attend anger management courses or receive psychiatric care.
All of this can interfere with the lives of those who are affected in devastating ways. Other punishments can include temporary imprisonment and even manslaughter charges. Worst case scenarios can garner offenders life in prison. Victims of road range generally seek legal representation in order to recover damages. Offenders also require a criminal defense attorney to minimize their damages as much as possible. However, either way, there is no winner when it comes to road rage. The best defense is to avoid it in the first place.
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