Road Rage

Tools

By Katie Ussin

Story Published: Jun 29, 2009 at 5:45 PM MST

Story Updated: Jun 29, 2009 at 4:48 PM MST

BILLINGS - It is the driver that cuts you off, does not use their turning signal, talks on their cell phone, that slow-moving truck you just cannot get around, or the road construction all across town. Drivers in Billings are bound to experience a little frustration behind the wheel this summer.
"There is an inordinate amount of frustration that comes with finding that the route that you've chosen has got a hitch in it," said David McFarland, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for Youth Services.
McFarland said anger, which is a secondary emotion, can come on quickly, especially when people are behind the wheel.
"The anonymity of it and the high probability that you're going to escape your rude behavior allows people to feel that it's a safe place to vent," said McFarland.
He said studies show men, especially younger ones, are more likely to experience road rage, along with another unique group of drivers, "People with bumper stickers are more likely to perpetuate road rage than those without."
McFarland said it could be a territorial thing, it that they are more likely to be opinionated, but he was not sure of the exact correlation.
McFarland said if you are driving and feel your blood pressure rising take some deep breaths, think of your favorite person, place or pet and keep the situation in perspective.
"Remember, it's not a competition, it's just traffic," said McFarland.
He said when you find yourself retaliating against someone on the road you have gone too far and may have a rage problem.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Your Weather Authority

Icon
Current Temp 38.0 °F
Partly Cloudy
Wind : Northwest at
16.1 mph
Humidity : 68 %
Pressure : 30.17 in
More Weather

Party America Sky Cam

More Weather

On Demand

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Links We Like