Incidents of road rage seem to have increased in recent times. This perception may be caused by the fact that almost all are recorded on smartphones by passersby, or on CCTV cameras. The number of such incidents are anyway too high and are, without a doubt, representative of a spreading psychological malaise. While fights may be triggered by minor issues, mostly causing a scratch or dent in somebody’s car or two-wheeler, the explosion of anger and violence obviously has deeper roots. There is suppressed anger among people due to numerous unresolved issues in their lives, which explodes when triggered.
Otherwise, why would people risk going to jail, or cause somebody serious harm – sometimes even in the presence of wives and children? Does it make sense to gang up like bullies on an individual for small matters? Is there so little fear of the law, or lack of moral restraint that such acts take place? While incidents on the road are more frequent because that is where the numbers are, similar one-sided violence is witnessed in other places – such as the petty politicians venting their anger on government employees including women.
What is causing this anger to breed and spread in society? Why are failures and insufficiencies in a person’s life not dealt with in a healthy and controlled manner, rather than be projected on to others? Is life in general structured in a manner that requires domination over others? This developing meltdown of the people’s psychology needs to be dealt with at the community and governance levels. Earlier, guidance was provided to society by mostly religious gurus and leaders of society regarding civilised behaviour in various situations. Now, however, this influence has greatly declined and people are adopting values from the illusory world of social media. Even children are exposed to toxic material and unrestrained content.
It is important, therefore, for corrective action to be taken through psychological counselling – first for those who live and function in stressful environments, for example police personnel, those entrusted with important responsibilities, people performing under tight schedules, or living in difficult circumstances. Entertainment and social media content should have a sufficient level of positivity so that empathy and harmonious behaviour are encouraged. New age ‘influencers’ need to understand their responsibilities in this regard, otherwise they may themselves become victims someday. Those exhibiting behavioural red flags should be provided anger management support well in time. Society should not wait for miracles to occur by themselves – it must act.
