Driving can make angry, emotional motorists feel 'anonymous'

Driving can make angry, emotional motorists feel 'anonymous' - psychologist

7 September 2017 2:38 PM

Clinical psychologist Thabang Tlaka says the relative sense of anonymity felt by motorists behind the wheel may be one of the fueling reasons of road rage.

There's a sense of anonymity in the vehicle, you are sitting behind the wheel in an enclosed environment.
— Thabang Tlaka, Clinical psychologist

He explains that the vehicle often acts as barrier that makes drivers feel emboldened to be rude and aggressive.

Read: Caller relays how she was a victim of road rage, was spat on and screamed at

It's the same thing we do behind screens... It's much easier insult people and act out. It's very different from when you're standing in front of a person.
— Thabang Tlaka, Clinical psychologist

When we are in a vehicle, we tend to think we are safe.
— Thabang Tlaka, Clinical psychologist

There have been several reports of road rage incidents in Cape Town this week and Tlaka has shared advice on how to handle such scenarios.

Take a listen to his insights on other contributing factor to road rage:

Also take a listen to callers weigh in and share their road rage stories:

Written by: Qama Qukula

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