Why road rage should be avoided at all costs
When your instincts push you to react out of anger, please resist the urge to do so, because sometimes it might end in tragedy...
As much as we have seen many things that represent the kindness of people travelling on the road, there are equally many incidents that display the anger and rage people have in the streets.
According to the Arrive Alive website, "Road rage has become a significant threat to safe driving and is being investigated by the MRC-UNISA Crime, Violence & Injury Lead Programme and the Accident Research Centre at the University of Natal. Sally Davies, a clinical psychologist, has described road rage as a social problem that appears to be increasing worldwide along with traffic congestion and road frustration. Road rage occurs when people who are already vulnerable to aggressive outbursts are led to express their rage and—more critically—direct it towards total strangers."
A video from 2021 has brought up all these feelings of unease regarding road rage. In the video, we see a man, Eric Popper, in his vehicle; his dashcam is recording everything.
He seems to be distracted by something behind him and then takes out his firearm and starts shooting at another vehicle passing by.
According to news sources, Popper had cut another driver off on a busy highway in Miami on his way to work, and the other driver, annoyed by his actions, began hooting and tailgating him.
Watch the video below from ABC7 News - courtesy of YouTube.
It has been three years since the incident took place, and in 2023, the courts dismissed the charges against Popper for opening fire. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
Popper revealed to NBC Miami in an interview that, in hindsight, he could've reacted better. That's why it's so important to practice 'the pause' in every situation - especially stressful situations.
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Image Courtesy of YouTube