You are driving along, and another car collides with you. The driver gets out, and rather than asking if you are OK, they let off a foul-mouthed tirade. If this happens to you, there is a good chance their anger and attitude caused the crash.
There is no doubt that driving can be stressful, yet not everyone gets worked up behind the wheel. Drivers that do, pose a threat to all other road users. Why is this?
Hot-headed versus cool, calm and collected
The difference between crashing and not crashing often comes down to split-second decisions made under pressure.
Think about any decision-making under pressure. People often use temperature-related words to describe those who are good or bad in such situations.
Anyone that “keeps a cool head” can use logic. Those who are “hot-headed” are less likely to. So, if a driver is already close to boiling point as they go along, the chance they make the right call reduces.
Some drivers take aggression to extremes
When someone “sees red,” they may do something on purpose that causes the crash. For instance, they pull in front of you and slam on the brakes causing you to rear-end them. Or they squeeze past you where there is not enough space, sending you into the gravel.
There is a reason companies are developing self-driving vehicles. Computers are predictable. Unlike humans, they are not prone to emotions that could affect their safety on the road.
If an angry driver collides with you, there is no point in arguing with their verdict of the situation. Note down your observations about them and pass them to a legal team. They can use them to build a case for the crash being the other driver’s fault and help you get the compensation you need.
