AT 5 P.M. LAST March 31, along Marcos Highway in Antipolo, a case of road rage occured. Starting in a verbal and physical confrontation, this escalated into a shooting spree where one died and three injured. Is this an example of how man’s pride and arrogance control his temperament. The suspect is now charged with murder and frustrated murder and violation of the election gun ban. His license was suspended for 90 days.
Worldwide, road rage — esp. accompanied by gun- carrying individuals — always ends up in fatalities, properties destroyed, and strained relations, which could have been avoided had some humility and restraint stepped in.
THINGIFIED
An interesting article by psychotherapist Barry Markell discussed a study that estimates that over half of all drivers have experienced a surge of road rage at some point, although not all resulted in violence.
He attributes all aggression to overcrowding. But road ragers don’t see the offender as a person. “They ‘thingify’ the person,” Markell says.
Psychologist Ava Cadell, instructor in San Francisco, agrees. “The heavy metal of a car is a safe haven. Road ragers don’t think about the consequences or even about other people on the road as real people with real families.”
Citing a study, Cadell explained that road ragers are selfish, power hungry, angry and vindictive, with the average offender raging at least 27 times.
‘Besides overcrowding on the highway, the rager may be violent in other parts of their life, like at home or with a family, contributing to the tension of the commute.’
ROOT CAUSE
Besides overcrowding on the highway, the rager may be violent in other parts of their life, like at home or with a family, contributing to the tension of the commute.
Another is that a road rager may be angered by the absent-minded/ stupid driving of those talking on cell phones, which is common. Verbal confrontations on the phone could verily lead to confrontations on the road. It works both ways, Cadell opined.
Tens of thousands of accidents happen each year because of aggressive driving.
ROAD RAGE CASES
Last April 1, ABS-CBN enumerated a few celebrated road rages: In 1991 in San Juan City, Rolito Go, a construction magnate shot and killed Eldon Maguan, 25, a La Salle University student. Go was convicted of murder and sentenced to life; he managed to escape in 1993 and recaptured in 1996;
In 2009 in Quezon City, Jason Aguilar Ivler killed Renato Ebarle Jr., a Palace official’s son. Ivler had been previously charged for road rage in 2004 where former Malacanang adviser Nestor Ponce Jr. was killed. He was sentenced to life;
In May 2004, a fatal altercation on EDSA-Ayala Tunnel between 34-year old Mercedes Benz driver and a 65 year old family driver ensued, resulting in the shooting of the elderly driver;
In June 2016, a cyclist was shot dead in Quiapo Manila after a heated confrontation with a motorist. The latter’s gunfire ricocheted hitting an 18-yo bystander;
In October 2022, a 60-yo jeepney driver was critically injured after being shot by a man who confronted the former over his driving behavior in Las Pinas City;
In August 2023, a police officer, Wilfredo Gonzales, cut off a biker near the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City. He pulled and totted his gun on the cyclist and slapped him. The case was settled between the two but the incident irked other motorists, nonetheless, and
Last March 20, the Cebu Freeman reported a road accident where a pick-up truck with two people hit the suspect’s (a police officer) vehicle. This resulted in a heated argument. A witness said the shooter fired away until his gun was empty. A passenger was hit and now in critical condition. The shooter surrendered.
TACKLING ROAD RAGE
The World Health Organization recommends full enforcement of traffic laws on drink-driving, seat-belt, speed limits, helmets, and child restraints to reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries.
Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said traffic congestion is bad, as it is, “so we really need patience.”
The PNP, Marbil said, will collaborate with Highway Patrol Group in manning checkpoints and choke points for better enforcement in the country to reduce, if not completely deter, road rage. Also, a revisit to requirements in gun possession and ownership that includes neuro-psych test and to make it an annual requirement.
My personal take? To all road users, lower pride and build more courtesy, empathy, modesty, and patience.
