Link Between Traumatic Brain Injuries and Aggressive Driving

It has already been established that aggressive driving and accident risk are impacted by substance abuse and psychiatric conditions. Because of this common link, could it be possible that traumatic brain injuries are also linked to driver aggression and automobile accident risk?

That is exactly what researchers at St. Michaels Hospital in Ontario set out to examine. The study group consisted of nearly 4,000 adults between the ages of 18 and 97. Through telephone surveys conducted in 2011 and 2012, researchers discovered that individuals who have experienced one or multiple traumatic brain injuries reported far more aggressive driving occurrences than individuals with no brain injury. Study participants with traumatic brain injuries are also more likely to be involved in an automobile accident causing personal injury, injury to passengers, or damage to their vehicle.

Due to the large number of individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury at some point in their lives, it is important that the way this trauma affects driving behaviors is studied. The information uncovered through such studies may be valuable for bettering traffic safety.

With research only in the early stages, it is unclear whether or not the link between traumatic brain injuries and driver aggression is causal. Researchers know that brain quality has a significant impact on ones ability to effectively execute cognitive processes, such as those involved in driving. Driving involves a high level of concentration and focus to execute safely. Knowing how brain injuries impact ones ability to drive safely could help lessen the severity of road rage and auto accidents.

Have you been injured due to the negligence of an aggressive driver? The injury attorneys in Milwaukee at PKSD are here to assist you.

Contact us at 414-333-3333 to discuss your claim, free of charge.