🚗 Road Rage: Traffic Troubles and Tangled Tempers 🙃
Definition: Extreme anger at another automobile driver, often resulting in dangerous maneuvers. The term can describe situations ranging from verbal altercations to violence, including shootings over traffic disputes.
Related Terms and Concepts:
- Tailgating: Driving too closely behind another vehicle.
- Cutting off: Abruptly pulling in front of another vehicle.
- Brake checking: Suddenly braking to frighten or antagonize the driver behind.
- Aggressive driving: Operating a vehicle in a forceful or erratic manner.
Similar Expressions:
- Driving like a maniac: Driving erratically or dangerously.
- Pedal to the metal: Accelerating to the highest speed possible.
- White-knuckling: Gripping the steering wheel tightly due to stress or anger.
Historical Notes: The term “road rage” was coined in the late 1980s in Los Angeles, reflecting the extreme violence on highways. A notorious case can be referenced from an April 17, 2007, Denver Post headline discussing a “road-rage killer” sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
Literary and Popular Culture References:
- “The Magician’s Accomplice” by Michael Genelin (2010): Features a scene where a driver deliberately tries to run over a cyclist.
- Film: “Unhinged” (2020) starring Russell Crowe: A psychological thriller exploring the extremes of road rage.
- Novel: “Crash” by J.G. Ballard: While not directly about road rage, it dives into the psychological effects of car culture and collisions.
Inspirational Quote: “The road to wisdom? Well, it’s plain and simple to express. Err and err and err again, but less and less and less.” – Piet Hein
Quizzes
Author’s Farewell: “Drive safe, steer clear of anger, and always remember: the journey is often as important as the destination. – A. G. Gears”
