Most of us consider car collisions in Homestead and across Florida to be caused by driver error, mechanical failure, and other issues. While it is certainly true these are major contributors to and causes of traffic accidents, studies have also shown that our moods can have a significant impact on our risk of car accidents.
A bad mood, for example, can lead to road rage. Uncontrollable anger can lead to speeding, aggressive driving, weaving in and out of lanes, and other dangerous behaviors which can lead to a collision, especially if you’re driving on busy city streets. In addition, road rage can lead to confrontations with other drivers, which can lead to collisions.
Upset and Car Collisions
Being upset in general can be very distracting. If you’re thinking about what has upset you rather than what is in front of you on the road, you may miss traffic signs or cues you need to notice in order to prevent a collision. It’s easy to fail to notice the car in front of you is turning if you’re distracted by an upsetting conversation you had a work or in your home.
Mood Disorders and Traffic Collisions
If you suffer from depression or a mood disorder and are taking medication, it’s important to check that the medication isn’t interfering with your ability to drive. Some of the medications used to treat medical conditions, including mental disorders, can make you feel drowsy or sleepy and can impact your ability to drive safely. Always read the label and speak with your pharmacist to find out how a medication can affect your driving.
If you’re feeling down, angry, upset, or any other mood, consider whether you will find yourself impacted as a driver. If you’re distracted or so angry that you’re not making rational decisions, it may be best to calm down before getting behind the wheel. Make it a habit to do a quick check of your physical and mental state before you hop in the car. It could just save your life.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a driver’s emotional state, it can be difficult to prove the driver was acting negligently. You need a skilled legal team who can reconstruct what happened prior to your accident and can build a strong case for you. Contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Homestead car collision attorney. Our team has more than six decades of combined experience and is ready to serve you.