Tips to prevent road rage following bloody incident in Stafford

Leaving earlier, calming music, paying it forward can prevent aggressive driving 

One man was stabbed Sunday in an apparent incident of road rage outside a Walmart in North Stafford.

Two vehicles were sitting at a red light at the intersection of Mine Road and Greenspring Drive when one person got out of the car and stabbed another, according to a Stafford sheriff’s office spokesman.

The Stafford sheriff’s office was called to the scene, but no charges have been filed in the case. Photos of the bloody incident scene were taken by passersby.

Authorities washed away the traces of blood on the street following the investigation.

This latest road rage incident follows an incident in California caught on camera where a woman used her truck and attempted to run another car off a highway.

A majority of road crashes in the U.S. are caused by aggressive driving.

It’s no secret the holidays can be a stressful time for many. Shopping, traffic, mounting credit card bills are just some of what people associate this time of the year with.

There are many things drivers can do to reduce the likelihood of road rage. Listening to calming or inspirational music while behind the wheel, leaving the house earlier to have more travel time, or “paying it forward” by allowing someone to go ahead of you can go a long way in preventing road rage.

“When someone does give their signal and butts in front of you, pay it forward. It’s a random act of kindness. It’s amazing how much that will dispel rage,” said Sharon Killian, clinical services director at Rappahannock Community Services Board.

The Board operates anger management classes and frequently helps people overcome anger issues.

Sometimes, people prone to road rage can be nicer when not behind the wheel.

“Those people who do that, when they’re calm, usually say something like ‘I know I shouldn’t have done that, I’m so impatient,” said Killian. “Usually, people know it’s something that they have to work on inside themselves.”

Drivers in our area are no strangers to traffic. Many have to deal with jammed roadways each day, and it’s important for them to pack their patience.

“People who live in congested areas in Northern Virginia, in congested places like Stafford, they have to practice those skills every day,” said Killian. 

Those who wish to seek help for their anger issues can call the Rappahannock Community Services Board 24 hours a day at 540-373-6876.