CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A video shared on social media this week captured the tense moment when someone got out of a vehicle and opened fire in an apparent road rage shooting in Charlotte's Plaza Midwood.
Unfortunately, this may not be the only case of road rage we see over the next few months. Studies have found a link between hotter weather and road rage.
THE QUESTION
Is there a link between hot weather and road rage?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, there is a link between hot weather and road rage.
WHAT WE FOUND
The study found that when temperatures were below 80 degrees, drivers would give a light, short honk. When temperatures were above 90 degrees, they really leaned on their horns, honking longer and making unfriendly hand gestures.
Another study published by the National Institute of Health found that deadly crashes in the U.S. increased by 3.4% on heat wave days between May and September.
So what's going on?
Harvard medical experts say when we are stressed, we got into flight or fight mode. Our hearts pound faster, we breathe faster, our muscles tense up and our blood pressure increases. All of this is designed to get people out of a life-or-death situation, not necessarily a traffic jam.
When we're constantly stressed over little things like traffic, it can lead to more serious health problems.
What can you do? Experts recommend creating a stress-free car environment by playing relaxing music and hanging a peppermint or cinnamon-scented air freshener. You can also practice deep breathing to lower your heart rate while driving.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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