Road rage incidents are increasing

By Kaye Collins

Recently in Horry County there have been incidents of road rage that ended in the death of a person and another taken to jail. What is road rage and why is it happening more frequently?

What is the reason so many drivers are angry, stressed, drive offensively just to show other drivers who is the boss of the road at the time. Road rage

People who drive here typically think they’re the most important person on the planet and therefore risk other people’s lives.

Key Triggers & Causes of road rage is stress and anxiety. Life’s stressors, such as being late or stuck in heavy traffic, can accumulate frustration leading to quicker anger responses. Perceived anonymity, the vehicle serves as a barrier, allowing drivers to behave aggressively (through honking or gesturing) without facing real-world repercussions, unlike in direct interactions. Loss of control when another driver cuts you off or drives unpredictably, it can feel like a personal affront, provoking a territorial and aggressive reaction (fight-or-flight). The displaced anger stemming from work, home, or personal matters can be underlying in the driver.

The primary triggers and causes of road rage include stress and anxiety. Everyday stressors, like running late or being stuck in heavy traffic, can build up frustration, resulting in quicker anger responses. The sense of anonymity that comes with driving, where the vehicle acts as a shield, enables drivers to exhibit aggressive behaviors such as honking or gesturing without facing immediate consequences, unlike in face-to-face interactions. When another driver cuts you off or behaves erratically, it can feel like a personal insult, triggering a territorial and aggressive response (fight-or-flight). For some individuals, the anger displaced from work, home, or personal issues can become overwhelming. Additionally, environmental factors such as high temperatures, loud music, and congested roads can intensify frustration and irritability.

The character of individuals with impulsive tendencies and inadequate emotional control may lead to a higher likelihood of experiencing anger. Common irritations that can trigger this include tailgating, occupying the middle lane, using mobile phones, and making abrupt lane changes.

The rapid escalation of road rage can be attributed to misinterpretation, where drivers frequently perceive malicious intent in another’s error (such as a sudden swerve) rather than recognizing it as a brief distraction. This perception contributes to an “us vs. them” mindset. Emotional overload occurs when external triggers (like traffic) combine with internal conditions (such as stress), surpassing an individual’s capacity to manage their emotions in a composed manner, ultimately resulting in an outburst.

When dealing with road rage in South Carolina, the primary goals are to prioritize your safety, de-escalate the situation and alert the authorities. It is crucial never to retaliate or engage with an aggressive driver.

Steps to Take During a Road Rage Incident —

Stay calm and focused, take deep breaths and concentrate on safely maneuvering your vehicle away from the aggressive driver. Avoid engagement by not making eye contact, yell back, use your horn unnecessarily or make any gestures that could further provoke the other driver.

Create distance by safely increasing the distance between your vehicle and the aggressive driver. If possible, change lanes or take a turn to leave the situation.

Stay secured in your vehicle, keep your windows rolled up and doors locked. Do not exit your car to confront the other driver.

Drive to a safe public location. If the aggressive driver follows you, do not drive home. Instead, proceed to a well-lit, busy public area such as a gas station, shopping center, fire station or police station, where there are people and potential witnesses.

Call the authorities. If you feel threatened or the situation is escalating (the driver brandishes a weapon or attempts to harm you), call 911 immediately.

For non-emergency aggressive driving reports in South Carolina, you can call the South Carolina Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on your mobile phone.

Information to gather safely, if you can safely do so without putting yourself at further risk, gather the following details to provide to law enforcement:

The other vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number and a description of the driver and listing the specific aggressive behaviors observed.

When possible gather witness contact information if applicable and it is safe to collect after the incident has de-escalated or the police are present.

After an accident occurs, from a road rage incident do not confront the other driver. Stay in your locked vehicle with hazard lights on and wait for the police to arrive. Call 911 to report the crash and the details of the aggressive driving behavior. Document the scene by taking photos or videos from a safe distance, if possible.

Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as adrenaline can mask symptoms. This also creates an official record of your condition.

South Carolina law doesn’t have a specific “road rage” statute, but such behaviors can be prosecuted under other laws like reckless driving or assault and battery with a deadly weapon.