Road Rage 101: Is it more than just anger issues and can it be treated?
Note to readers: The Naples Daily News and the News-Press are producing a series of stories about traffic and transportation in Southwest Florida. We're calling it Traffic Week. Today, we are taking a closer look at road rage through a Q&A with two local experts.
Responses are from Kathleen Nealon, outpatient therapist at the David Lawrence Center, a mental health center in Collier County, who also runs anger management group and Collier County Sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Kaplan, who is with the safety & traffic enforcement bureau.
What exactly is road rage?
Nealon: I consider rage extreme anger that is very difficult for a person to control. Road rage would be intense anger that occurs while one is driving and the unhealthy expression of that intense anger that creates safety concerns for the driver and other nearby drivers, or pedestrians. (I am not sure if this is "exactly" what everyone would consider road rage, just how I would define it.)
Kaplan: Road rage is typically described as anger caused by the stress and frustration involved in driving a motor vehicle in difficult conditions. While road rage itself is not a statutory offense in Florida, many behaviors that stem from it are unlawful such as speeding and following too close
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Can someone be arrested for screaming at another driver, or does it have to be physical or ramming a car?
Kaplan: No, you can’t be arrested for screaming at someone.
Are men more prone to road rage than women, or is that myth?
Kaplan: This is not something we track.
What should road rage victims do if turning and getting away is not possible?
Nealon: While every situation is different, typically, the calmer the victim can remain the better. It may help to use coping skills such as deep breathing and to not take the actions of someone experiencing road rage personally.
Are people who get arrested for a crime stemming from road rage sent to anger management class of therapy?
Nealon: In the time that I have been doing anger management I don't recall many people being referred to group specifically for road rage, although anger management group could be an appropriate referral for someone who is arrested due to road rage. During anger group some of the situations we discuss have to do with responding to incidents that may occur while driving.
What are signs of road rage that someone is about to come toward you in their car?
Kaplan: The other vehicle/driver is aggressively maneuvering at/around/toward your vehicle; tailgating; swerving to see if they can get around/pass you; cutting you off in traffic; and brake-checking are examples of aggressive behaviors while driving.
What should road rage victims do if turning and getting away is not possible?
Kaplan: Do not engage the other driver. Stay in your vehicle with your doors locked and windows up, and call 911.
Do most incidents of road rage require two parties, the initial aggressor and the victim getting aggressive, too, and then things get out of control?
Kaplan: Usually, but not necessarily so. A road rage incident can involve only one party that is the aggressor. However, we typically see incidents that involve two parties or more and start out with verbal or physical gestures and then escalate.
Are people who get arrested for a crime stemming from road rage sent to anger management class or therapy?
Kaplan: This would be something prosecutors would recommend and the court would order.
Nealon: Some clients of the Collier Mental Health Court are referred to the anger management group. The therapy can also be done at an individual level.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida mental health expert weighs in on road rage
