Chihuahua.- From a psychological perspective, road riots could be related to road rage syndrome itself, which derives from circumstances such as low tolerance for frustration, and which, according to studies such as “Aggressive driving: a consumer experience”, are narcissistic personalities. or people who feel superiority towards others are the most likely to face it, explained the psychologist Nubia Leyva, who urged the general population to seek professional help in the event that these types of situations are very frequent in a person’s daily life.
“Rage at the wheel syndrome refers to aggressive and hostile behavior by drivers in traffic situations, which can range from insults, offensive gestures, honking the horn, abruptly accelerating or braking, or even physical confrontations. These are risky behaviors that can cause accidents and affect third parties around you. In addition, it can have a negative effect on the mental and emotional health of the driver, increasing stress and anxiety”, explained the professional.
He pointed out that this syndrome is caused by various factors, such as stress, tension, a low tolerance for frustration, impulsiveness, anxiety, impatience, lack of sleep or the use of drugs or alcohol.
Although there are currently no statistics on the accidents that this syndrome causes in the state, journalistic archives give an account of the seriousness that it can have in relation to road accidents.
Likewise, studies such as “Aggressive Driving” relate personality to the way individuals drive.
“Perceiving the car as an extension of the self and part of one’s self-definition can lead to the need to project a superior image through driving. Therefore, people who feel superior to others may be driven by the need to show off their cars by driving aggressively. This sense of superiority can also result in a lack of empathy towards others,” the document explains.
Due to the above, Leyva pointed out and recommended that in order to prevent such situations, one must remain calm in situations of intense traffic and avoid responding to provocations from other drivers. It can also help to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, listening to relaxing music, taking a break to calm down, as well as planning outings well in advance to avoid being late and getting frustrated.
“If someone frequently experiences this driving rage, it is advisable to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling from a psychologist or psychiatrist, to identify and treat the underlying causes of aggressive behavior,” he said.
During the month of April, only in the capital of Chihuahua, some important cases were recorded in which road conflicts led to serious accidents and physical confrontations outside and inside the vehicles. Just last April 15, a vehicle ended up inside a canal after its driver fought with another, according to information from authorities. While on April 9 another road discussion between a private driver and another from the Uber platform ended in gunshots with the last of them murdered.
According to approximations, this syndrome is multifactorial but is related to a low tolerance for frustration and a feeling of superiority.
