Can a traumatic brain injury (TBI) lead to more aggressive driving and increased risks for being involved in an auto accident? A new study out of Canada says yes.
The study, published in the Accident Analysis and Prevention journal, examined 4,000 drivers in Ontario and identified a link between TBI and aggressive driving behaviors, including yelling and threatening other drivers, passengers and even their vehicles.
Authors of the study noted that there is already an established link between aggressive driving and substance abuse or mental illness. Therefore they wanted to study the role that TBI could play in a persons likeliness to engage in aggressive driving.
The study identified a TBI as any head trauma that resulted in a period of unconsciousness for five minutes or longer or an overnight stay at the hospital. In all, they identified that 16.7 percent of study participants reported a history of TBI.
TBI injuries can be caused by any number of things, but most commonly it is caused by falling, car accidents or being hit on the head with an object that causes blunt trauma.
Although researchers could not yet identify a causal relationship between the two, it did determine that there is a link between TBI and aggressive driving behaviors. Those with a history of TBI were significantly more likely to engage in road rage-type activities. They were also much more likely to be involved in an auto accident that resulted in injuries.
This study shows that individuals with a history of TBI could account for a large number of safety problems on the roads. More research could help roads become safer through improved screening and rehabilitation of drivers with TBI.
If you have been injured in an auto accident with an aggressive or reckless driver, a Fort Worth auto accident attorney at our law firm may be able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our Texas injury lawyers charge no upfront fees to handle your claim and your initial case review is free of charge.
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