Texas Accident & Injury News
Why does road rage increase during the holidays?
Suspect Dead in Fatal Rollover Accident Caused by Road Rage
According to a KSAT News report, a 48-year-old man is dead after causing a rollover accident in a road rage incident on the South Side.
Police reported the incident occurred at around 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 15th, on the Southeast Loop 410 access road just before Roosevelt Avenue. Two men were having an argument in the Poteet Flea Market for unknown reasons when they eventually left in separate vehicles. That is when police say the 48-year-old man intentionally bumped into the other man’s vehicle multiple times before causing a rollover accident, trying to stop the fleeing vehicle with a PIT maneuver. The 48-year-old man was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead upon arrival. He was the only one in his vehicle.
The victims, a 38-year-old man and his two children (9 and 14), were taken to the hospital in unknown condition.
Did You Know?
One-third of Americans travel for the holidays, and most travel by car, according to the AAA.
Why Does Road Rage Increase During the Holidays?
Millions of Americans are expected to take a holiday road trip this year to visit family and other holiday vacation destinations.
If you are planning on driving for the holidays, you should be aware that road rage incidents like the one above spike during the holidays. Let’s take a look at why this is and what the AAA foundation recommends to protect yourself from a road rage incident.
Why Road Rage Spikes During the Holidays
Every factor that contributes to road rage incidents is present in full swing during the holidays. These include:
- Congested Traffic: Traffic jams increase stress and frustration and are intensified during the holiday season.
- Increased Stress: Whether from worrying over finances, family, or last-minute presents, stress skyrockets over the holidays. This makes drivers more sensitive to things they would otherwise ignore.
- Reckless Behavior: People are more likely to engage in reckless behavior such as tailgating, distracted driving, and excessive speeding over the holidays. With tensions so high, these actions are more likely to spark an extreme reaction from other drivers, increasing the risk of road rage.
How Can I Avoid a Road Rage Accident?
By controlling your behavior and reactions, you can reduce the likelihood of a road rage accident. The AAA offers these three tips to keep yourself safe:
#1 — Don’t Offend
With so many drivers engaging in reckless behavior all year long, you’d be surprised to know how much impact courteous driving has on road rage. Maintain a respectful distance, allow others to merge, and show extra courtesy in parking lots. You can’t control other’s behaviors, but you can be the kind of driver that’s hard to be mad at.
#2 — Be Tolerant and Forgiving
People are stressed out, distracted, and driving in unfamiliar areas — they’re going to make mistakes. Make the choice before you go to be forgiving of small mistakes and tolerant of bad drivers. Whatever it is, it’s not worth losing your cool and putting your life in danger.
#3 — Don’t Respond
Never meet aggression with aggression. Do not make eye contact with an out-of-control driver or gesture to them at all. If your life is in danger, call 9-1-1 and follow their instructions.
Of course, you can do everything right and still be injured in a road rage accident. When that happens, call Shaw.
Injured by an Out-of-Control Driver? Call Shaw!
There is no excuse for road rage.
If you were injured in a road rage accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 31 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.