Aggressive Driving Accidents
Almost every driver has had a rude or scary interaction with another driver who they were very sure was emotional and angry behind the wheel. Unfortunately, aggressive driving is extremely common in the United States. You can never tell what’s going on in someone else’s life, what stressors they have, or what it is that they are trying to do that necessitates driving, but these motivations can lead people to make dangerous decisions behind the wheel. Maybe they are trying to juggle too many things or have personal issues in their life, but it should go without saying that whenever operating any type of motor vehicle, one should be in a clear state of mind and not ready to “compete” with or fight other drivers on the road.
What is aggressive driving?
Aggressive driving is a very selfish form of operating a motor vehicle. The driver is only concerned about themselves and getting to their destination. When an individual combines any of these moving traffic offenses and endangers other people or property, they’re driving aggressively.
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Blocking other cars, for example, while trying to merge
- Cutting off other cars and then slowing down
- Running red lights
- Speeding in heavy traffic
Tips To Help You When You’ve Encountered An Aggressive Driver
It is inevitable with high stress, high employment, and a pandemic that there will be stressed-out drivers on the roads. Many people have been indoors for several months, and it’s very common to see videos on outrage social media and in the news. Stressors can cause emotional reactions in people that make them less likely to cooperate with others in an attempt to fulfill whatever it is they need. It’s best to know in advance what to do if you encounter an aggressive driver so you can remain calm and clear-headed during the encounter. This is also good information to provide to teenagers and other new drivers:
- Be patient: It’s important to remain calm and courteous while behind the wheel even if you are cut off, honked at, or flicked off. The other driver’s anger probably has nothing to do with you.
- Do not respond: Avoid eye contact and do not respond to aggression with your own aggression or obscene gestures.
- Call 911 if necessary: If you are being confronted, then stay as calm as possible and remain locked in your vehicle as you dial 911 and report the incident.
- If you are being stalked or followed by the other driver, then pull over in a safe place, such as at a fire or police department.
Statistics and Related Data
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, almost 80% of drivers had shown aggression or “road rage” behind the wheel at least once during the previous 12 months. They also found that between the years 2003 and 2007, more than half of fatal crashes involved at least one driver who was driving aggressively.
Why You Need A Car Accident Lawyer
Most people have never negotiated a settlement, but attorneys do this all the time. Representing yourself means you can overvalue or undervalue your claim, and you risk being undercompensated for your injuries or property loss. But an experienced car accident attorney will fight for you and protect your rights. If you have been injured by the recklessness of an aggressive driver, then we will passionately fight for you. We offer free consultations and are happy to listen to you and the details of your specific situation.
