Road rage is a term used to describe aggressive or angry behavior exhibited by a driver of a motor vehicle. It is defined as an incident in which “an adult driver, in a fit of rage or frustration, commits dangerous and/or violent acts against another driver, passenger, or pedestrian” (Elder, 2016, p. 1). Road rage is a growing problem and can lead to serious injury or death.
Although the term road rage is commonly used, it is not a clinical diagnosis. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) does not list it as an official disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). However, road rage is related to other mental health issues such as anger and impulsivity.
Research has found that road rage is most often caused by aggressive driving and tailgating (Elder, 2016). Other common triggers include aggressive gestures, honking, speeding, and inconsiderate driving (Elder, 2016). Road rage can also be caused by road hazards such as construction or traffic delays (Elder, 2016).
There are several ways to prevent and manage road rage. The first step is to recognize the signs of road rage, such as honking, aggressive gestures, and tailgating. If a person is feeling angry or frustrated while driving, they should take a break before continuing their journey. It is also important to stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. If a person is the victim of road rage, they should call the police and try to get away from the aggressive driver as soon as possible.
In conclusion, road rage is a serious issue that can lead to serious injury or death. Although it is not a clinical diagnosis, it is related to mental health issues such as anger and impulsivity. It is important to recognize the signs of road rage and take steps to prevent and manage it.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, DC: Author.
Elder, C. (2016). Road rage: Causes, prevention, and treatment. Advances in Psychology Research, 93, 1-11.