Keeping cool on the road in Middle Tennessee

Road rage flares up at the intersection of driving and anger, and is accelerated when guns are added to the mix.

States with looser gun laws experience higher rates of road rage shootings that lead to injuries or deaths, according to a report by Everytown. Tennessee is in the top five states for road rage shootings. 

Studies show that the mere presence of a firearm in the car can induce what’s called the “weapons effect” and increase chances of aggressive behavior. But what is making drivers so angry in the first place? 

In this hour, we’ll talk about the rising tensions on Middle Tennessee roads and what drivers can do to stay level-headed behind the wheel.

But first, we talk to Jason Moon Wilkins from our sister station WNXP about Next Up, the station’s new series focused on emerging artists and new projects. 

Guests:

• Jason Sparks, advocate for gun violence prevention
• Lt. Bill Miller, public information officer for Tennessee Highway Patrol 
• Bashir Gure, driving coach at Rage Free Roads
• James Clemmons, behavioral health educator at Freedom From Anger