Aggressive driving is a significant problem in the United States, contributing to thousands of fatal accidents and hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. Aggressive driving behaviors can also escalate to road rage and physical confrontations in some cases.
Chances are, if you have been driving for some time, you can likely recall a time where you have been angry or frustrated or crossed paths with another irate driver. The experience can be stressful and overwhelming. The good news is aggressive driving accidents are preventable.
Aggressive driving is defined as an unsafe, deliberate driving behavior that poses a risk to people and/or property. Some common forms of aggressive driving are listed below.
Speeding
Speeding is driving over the posted limit for the conditions present. It is dangerous for a few reasons. Speeders are more likely to lose control of their vehicle and they reduce the time and distance available to react to hazards.
Speeding also reduces the effectiveness of seatbelts, air bags, and other safety features. According to the Insurance Information Institute, speeding was the leading factor in all fatal vehicle accidents in 2020. Cutting back on speeding would significantly reduce the numbers of serious and fatal vehicle accident injuries every year.
Tailgating
Tailgating occurs when a driver is following too closely to the vehicle ahead of them, often in an aggressive manner. Tailgating is dangerous because the following driver does not have time to react to an emergency situation, such as if the driver in front stops quickly. Tailgating is a common aggressive driving behavior and should be avoided.
Reckless Driving
Reckless or careless driving encompass a wide variety of risky behaviors. All of these habits increase the chance of motor vehicle accidents and injuries. Common examples of reckless driving include:
- Making improper turns.
- Failure to yield the right-of-way.
- Driving with one’s vision obscured.
- Failure to stay in the proper lane.
- Overcorrecting/oversteering.
- Failure to obey traffic signs and signals.
- Driving the wrong way or on the wrong side of the road.
What Is Road Rage?
Although people usually think about road rage when discussing aggressive driving, they are slightly different. Road rage takes aggressive driving to the next level. Road rage is extreme, unsafe, and deliberate driving actions that pose an immediate danger to people and property. Common road rage behaviors include:
- The use of profanity.
- Rude and/or inflammatory gestures.
- The use of headlights to frighten or intimidate another individual.
- Bumping, hitting, or ramming another vehicle.
- Forcing another vehicle off the road.
Tailgating, beeping the horn, and yelling at other drivers are the most common types of road rage behaviors, contributing to thousands of accidents every year.
What Can I Do to Prevent Aggressive Driving Accidents?
According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, around 80 percent of drivers polled admitted to feeling extreme aggression, anger, or rage when driving. Nearly the same number of drivers have actually engaged in aggressive driving behaviors at some point.
These feelings are more common in situations where the driver is running late, stuck in traffic, or experiencing personal stress in their own lives. Knowing the risk factors for aggressive driving can help drivers make a conscious decision to slow down, take a breath, and resist the urge to driving aggressively.
If you sense those feelings of anger creeping up when you are driving, do your best to practice patience and avoid lashing out. Deep breathing techniques can be helpful, or you can try listening to soothing music while driving.
If you feel overwhelmed or out of control, pull over in a safe location to gather your composure. That extra 10 minutes may be enough to prevent an aggressive driving crash or a deadly confrontation with a motorist.
What Should You Do if You Encounter an Aggressive Driver?
What if you are the one being targeted by an aggressive driver? As heated as you might feel, the best approach is to avoid a reckless driver at all costs. If an impatient driver is tailgating you, move over to the next lane and allow them to pass. Slow down and let speeders go by. Keep a safe distance at all times, and never engage with an angry driver under any circumstances.
If you believe you or anyone else is at risk of physical harm by a road rage driver, wait until it is safe to contact law enforcement. If you can, describe the other vehicle’s make, model, and license plate.
An Aggressive Driver Caused My Accident and Injuries. Can I File a Legal Claim?
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to aggressive driving, you may have cause to file a personal injury claim for damages. Evidence is essential to prove the other driver was negligent and caused your injuries. Always save police reports, photos, camera footage, and witness accounts and share them with your car accident lawyer.
Your attorney might be able to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or take legal action if necessary. In some cases, insurance payouts are not enough to cover the injured party’s medical expenses, lost income, and emotional and physical pain and trauma. The first step toward justice is a consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Loveland Car Accident Lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office Help Those Who Have Been Injured by Aggressive Drivers
Our Loveland car accident lawyers at the Wolterman Law Office will provide the personal attention and care your situation deserves. If you have been injured in an aggressive driving accident, call us at 513-488-1135 or contact us online to schedule your free case review today. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we represent clients across Fairfield, Norwood, Forest Park, and Hamilton County.