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According to a recent study published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention and authored by researchers led by Christine Wickens, about half of all road collisions are caused at least in part by road rage. According to the researchers from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, motorists are especially likely to react with rage in cases where another motorist is weaving in and out of traffic. So what can be done to prevent road-rage-related car collisions in Miami and across South Florida? According to experts, there are several things every motorist can do:

1) Get plenty of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleepiness and lack of sleep can contribute to irritability and can lead to road rage. Fatigued driving has also been linked to traffic and truck accidents in Miami and across the country.

2) Plan ahead. Leaving yourself with just enough time to get to your destination increases your stress level and makes you more likely to take risks – risks that could lead to a pedestrian accident in Miami or in your community. Give yourself plenty of time and have a plan to get to your destination so that you are not frazzled as you drive.

3) Learn to recognize the signs of road rage. Even very aggressive drivers tend to see themselves as good and courteous drivers. Signs of road rage can include speeding, yelling, making aggressive gestures, weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring traffic signals, and gesturing at other drivers. Motorists affected by road rage may also find their hearts racing or may find themselves gripping the steering wheel very tightly.

4) Set aside time to relax in the car. Make it a habit to evaluate your mental state as you drive. For example, you can decide to self-evaluate at every red light you stop at or whenever a song ends on the radio. Check to see whether you are angry, stressed, yelling, or gripping the steering wheel tight. If you exhibit signs of road rage, switch to soothing music, count to ten, and breathe deeply. If you are very angry, pull over until you have a handle on your emotions.

5) Talk yourself down when someone makes you angry. If you find yourself getting furious on the road, talk to yourself to calm yourself down. Explain out loud what made you angry and what a productive way to deal with that might be. Controlling your road rage rather than acting on it can help you avert a traffic accident in Miami or your community.

6) Learn more about road rage. Organizations such as Reaching Out Against Road Rage (R.O.A.R.R) have plenty of resources. You can volunteer to help stop accidents caused by road rage or just learn how to be a calmer driver.

7) Drive sober. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and other communities already cost far too many lives. Alcohol and drugs can also lower inhibitions and can therefore make it harder for you to control your emotions if another motorist does something that makes you irritable.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

According to a University of Laval study, morbidly obese drivers have a higher risk of being in a car accident because of health issues caused by their weight. Researchers in the study examined data from 75 medical studies to reach their conclusion. The researchers also concluded that obese passengers and drivers involved in a car accident may have a higher risk of fatalities and serious injuries, in part because car safety features are designed for a standard-sized person and may not work as well for someone who is larger than average.

Since Miami sees its fair share of obesity patients, Miami car accidents and injuries caused by weight issues are a concern in the city. Of course, medical-related Miami traffic accidents can occur to any driver in any age range or weight range group. However, it is also true that obese drivers may be prone to medical risks. Obese drivers, for example, may be more at risk of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder which can cause fatigued driving and drowsiness behind the wheel. Obese drivers may also be at an increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and other chronic conditions which come with dangerous complications. When these complications occur behind the wheel, a medical emergency and car accident are the likely result. If a driver has a stroke or heart attack while driving, for example, they will likely be involved in a Miami pedestrian accident or car accident when they lose control of the vehicle.

Another problem is that obese drivers may be more at risk of injuries in a Miami traffic accident. Seat belts, air bags, and other safety systems in cars are designed for specific body sizes. There has already been research done to show that those who are below average height, for example, can actually be harmed by a seat belt or air bag in the event of a car collision. In the same manner, obese drivers and passengers may actually be more prone to injury in the event of a crash because their bodies are not the size that car manufacturers consider when creating seat belts and other safety systems. As a result, seat belts may cut into the body and other problems may occur in the event of an accident, leading to injury.

It is difficult to know how to make drivers in all weight categories safer behind the wheel. In the long term, one obvious solution is to create cars designed for different-sized drivers or to create more adaptable safety systems – ones that can be adjusted to optimally protect drivers of all heights and weights. In the meantime, drivers can take charge by staying as healthy as possible and by visiting their doctor regularly to deal with any health issues which can affect driving ability. If a driver is diagnosed with a serious illness, such as a heart condition or diabetes, it is important for that driver to manage their condition and to follow doctor’s recommendations regarding driving and any other activity.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog