Truck Drivers Suffer from Road Rage, Too in Mt. Pleasant, Texas

We all have experienced anger while driving. You know the feeling: you’re stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, and a driver cuts you off. Driving can inspire primal feelings. A neuroscientist writing for the Independent wanted to explore why driving can invoke such immediate and seemingly uncontrollable feelings of anger. What he found offers some good news and bad news. The bad news is that the human brain is hard-wired to experience anger when it feels threatened, and driving is one situation where modern humans still put themselves in mortal danger on a daily basis. The good news is that we can train ourselves to stop before we react with poor decisions behind the wheel.

One of the reasons why we react so forcefully to situations on the road is that the brain has two main circuits. There’s the automatic unconscious circuit that is in charge of emotional responses and basic needs like eating and drinking, and then there’s the conscious circuit of our brains that is responsible for careful decision making. When we feel threatened or unsafe (which can occur while driving), or when we feel like our space is being invaded (like when a driver cuts us off), or when we feel like social rules are being violated (like when drivers break the law or yell from their cars), the unconscious fight response in our brains can be triggered. Fortunately, if we allow ourselves to become aware of our triggers and the situations in which this response can be triggered, we can stop them from hijacking our decision-making processes. By pausing before we react, we can avoid the most dangerous of road rage behaviors.

One of the issues with road rage is that it can impact us all, truck drivers included. However, when truck drivers get angry behind the wheel, they are operating a multi-ton vehicle that can inflict serious damage on passenger vehicles. Truck drivers and truck companies have a responsibility to train drivers and to make drivers aware of the risks that road rage poses. Should truck companies be required to offer tools to their drivers to prevent road rage?

At the end of the day, the tools needed to prevent road rage are simple. According to Psychology Today, drivers need to remember that aggressive actions on the part of other drivers doesn’t have anything to do with you personally (the other driver might be rushing to work or might be distracted by his or her phone). Secondly, it is important to remember that actions you take on the road in reaction to other drivers can hurt others or yourself. Stepping back from the situation, getting perspective, and taking a few deep breaths can make a big difference when it comes to road safety.

If you believe you have been hurt because a truck driver was acting out of road rage or aggression, you may have rights under the law. You may be entitled to seek compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering damages associated with your accident.

The Cooper Law Firm is a truck accident lawyer in Mount Pleasant, Texas who works closely with accident victims, helping them seek damages for their losses. We can take the time to understand the circumstances surrounding your accident, evaluate your claim, and seek justice if a truck driver’s road rage led to your injuries or losses. Visit us at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/ to learn more today.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037