Personal Injury Blog

Road Rage Could Be Sign of Deeper Emotional Problems

December 26th, 2011
road rage study

Intermittent Explosive Disorder could be manifested by behaviors like road rage

According to a new road rage study by NPR, persons who suffer from road rage could be suffering from symptoms of not just a reaction to other people’s bad driving, but also deeper emotional problems.  The disorder is called Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and it could be manifested by behaviors like road rage.

The fact that the term ‘road rage’ was coined in Los Angeles is not really a surprise to any San Diego car accident lawyer.  After all, this city suffers from some of the worst traffic and congestion problems anywhere in the country.  Motorists in Los Angeles, on any given day, can be expected to feel stressed, anxious, and hostile towards other motorists.

According to some studies, distracted driving is one of the biggest triggers for road rage episodes.  When drivers see other motorists not paying attention to the road, and indulging in other activities like eating, applying makeup, shaving and even reading the newspaper while driving, it seems to push their negative buttons, and increases feelings of hostility.  However, according to a new study by a psychiatrist at the University Of Chicago, people who suffer from extreme fits of road rage and hit the other vehicle with their own car, could be suffering not just from road rage, but also a disorder called Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

Intimate Explosive Disorder is a disorder that is characterized by episodes of serious assaults that are not in proportion to the stresses causing the assaults.  This disorder apparently affects about 6% of the motorist population in the country.  Intermittent Explosive Disorder doesn’t just affect people when they’re driving.  The symptoms manifest themselves even when a person is on the job or with friends and family

However, symptoms are more likely to be pronounced when a motorist is in a hostile stressful situation, like on the road and surrounded by other motorists.  A person could suffer from temper tantrums, and he could react by throwing things around, hitting people, shoving and pushing.  These people suffer from short fuses, and their bodies don’t produce enough of serotonin, the hormone that induces feelings of happiness.  On the road, these persons could be at a high risk of road rage-related behaviors like trying to run people off the road, hitting their car into another vehicle and other dangerous behaviors that increase the risks of an accident.

During an episode of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, motorists are much more likely to be aggressive, and react negatively towards other motorists.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to take much to trigger road rage in these people.  For instance, a person who suffers from Intermittent Explosive Disorder and finds himself stuck behind a car being driven by a motorist on a cell phone, is likely to have those feelings triggered.

Posted by at 2:02 am: No comments

Leave a reply



Share This Page With A Friend
Find The Reeves Law Group On

Latest Review

The Reeves Law Group
Excellent, highly recommended

"I was very pleased with my overall experience with The Reeves Law Group. The staff was friendly and helpful, and my attorney was skillful and aggressive in getting an excellent settlement recovery for me, including reimbursement for my lost income."

 - Camilla C. Castagna 5.0

FreeConsultation

24 Hours
EASY & CONFIDENTIAL CLICK HERE ›
SPEAK TO A LAWYER NOW
1-800-644-8000

Client Testimonials

  • "I would recommend The Reeves Law Group to my family and friends for attorney representation of any bodily injury claims they might have..."

    — C.O., Los Angeles

  • "I cannot thank this firm enough. The attorneys and support staff were caring, attentive and diligent at every step of the way and produced an outstanding result in the case."

    — M.N., Orange County

  • "I am very happy with $981,932.68 The Reeves Law Group obtained for me for injuries I suffered in an automobile accident. The legal representation provided by the Reeves staff was excellent..."

    — G.D., Ventura County

  • "I appreciate the level of excellence and compassion put forth in my case. This law firm made what was stressful in the beginning a non-stressful case in the end. Thank you!"

    — J.H., Riverside

  • "I was very happy with attorney Pakiz of your office, who worked very diligently and was very courteous with me. I would not hesitate to call on or recommend your office in the future."

    — T.M., Orange County

  • "I would refer The Reeves Law Group to friends and family."

    — J.K., San Diego County

  • "I found the attorneys to be compassionate for my needs and tenacious against the insurance company representatives, while working to achieve an outstanding settlement result."

    — F.H., Los Angeles County

  • "Dear Mr. Reeves: Your representation and guidance during the pendency of my injury case are very much appreciated..."

    — A.C., Santa Ana

  • "I received great service and am very happy with the way your firm handled my case."

    — J.F., Orange County

  • "Great job on the whole process. It was a fast process, and there was always someone for me to talk to."

    — D. H., Rialto

  • "We came to you from another law firm that didn't help. Your offices made us feel like we were your only clients. Thank you so much for the terrific service!"

    — R.L. and E.L., Orange County

  • "Great job - great damages recovery! Thank you Mr. Reeves and staff for quality legal representation and results in my personal injury case."

    — M.I., Riverside County

Helpful Links

Our Blog Over 3,000 Articles Daily articles on Personal injury news & analysis
Click Here ►
Our Guarantee If there is no recovery you don't pay a fee
Learn More ►
Video Library A helpful resource for your injury case
Click Here ►