As the cheatsheet.com rage epidemic in the United States continues, we’ve looked at some of the worst areas for drivers with hot tempers and short fused frustrations. A recent survey by Circuit Route Planner combined with Twitter data on the #roadrage hashtag to determine the top locations with the most road rage incidents per 100,000 people.
The results were somewhat surprising. Eugene, Oregon topped the list followed by Atlanta, Orlando, and Miami. Interestingly, New York didn’t even make the list. It’s a good reminder that no matter where you live, your road behavior can influence the behavior of other drivers on the same highway or freeway.
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There are many reasons why road rage incidents occur. Some of them are criminal, such as swerving to hit another car or running it off the road. Others are non-criminal, such as tailgating behind a vehicle or driving too closely.
Regardless of the specific reasons, the cause is often rooted in high levels of stress and anxiety. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that displaced anger, high life stress, and a lack of sleep can lead to aggressive driving behaviors.
Taking steps to prevent road rage is essential for safe and responsible driving. It starts with planning ahead and leaving plenty of time to get to your destination. If you’re the type to get frustrated by slow-moving vehicles in front of you, try listening to music or a podcast to help calm your mind and blow off steam. And if your temperament is on the more extreme side, don’t hesitate to seek counseling or medication.