• 15
  • February
    2012

Early Saturday morning, on February 11th, Harris County Sherriff's deputies, responding to a call, found a 39-year old father of five, with another child expected, slumped over the wheel of his Toyota Corolla, dead from multiple gunshots. The man had tried to call his wife on his cell phone, just before midnight; but, the line suddenly went dead. He was a dependable person, according to relatives, employed by Schlumberger in the oil and gas industry, having just returned from a Louisiana job. Consequently, the bullet-riddled vehicle, stopped on the side of F.M. 1960, near Briarcreek Blvd., led officers to believe the man had been the victim of a road-rage incident. His wife was reported to be devastated by his death.

Road-rage has been a growing problem, for years, in major metropolitan areas all over the country. In a 2007 survey conducted by the AutoVantage Club, Houston ranked 11th, out of the top 25 American cities, for road-rage incidents; and the HPD and Texas Department of Transportation confirm literally hundreds of reports of rage incidents in Houston, yearly. Indeed, as many a four-a-day occur throughout the city, with that number climbing in the hot summer months. According to a 2011 survey of Houston drivers, fully 81% claimed fear of road-rage as a major concern.

Interestingly, numerous studies show that men and women are equal in rage incidents; although, younger drivers and those with the longest daily commutes tend to be the most likely ragers. Experts suggest that the principal causes are: bad manners and a lack of concern for others; cell phone usage; trigger events, such as people driving too slowly in a fast lane, unsignaled turns or lane changes or use of bright lights; anger, stress or frustration; being late or general impatience; and, substance abuse that impacts judgment, perceptions and mood. Manifestations can take various forms. At the low end, they include yelling or making fists or obscene gestures. More sinister demonstrations include: tailgating; sudden, close lane changes; slamming on the brakes; or, running yellow lights. And major incidents include actual ramming and the firing of gunshots.

Certain areas seem to contribute to the problem, as well. HPD reports that freeways generally, the 610 Loop, Westheimer at Hillcroft, Kirby at the Southwest Freeway, Tidwell at the Eastex Freeway, and other areas with heavy traffic congestion, such as construction zones, are the most likely scenes of rage; although they caution that it can occur anyplace, at any time of day. Houston proliferates with traffic areas that tax patience, annoy drivers and create the right circumstances for people to boil over and act out.

Experts suggest that the best response to a rager is to back off immediately. Put distance between your vehicle and the rager's. And, most importantly, do not respond in kind. Unstable people or those who have lost control of behavior or common sense need very little justification to escalate quickly and dangerously. Just get out of the way as quickly as possible and call and report the incident to police promptly, giving as much information as you can. Life can be a dog-fight on Houston's streets every day. But, hopefully, you can save your life by keeping your emotional dog out of the fray.

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