When driving a car, one must do so in a safe manner. One must follow traffic laws and drive within the speed limit. Unfortunately, a large number of Americans drive aggressively.
You might be asking, “What is aggressive driving?” A motorist who drives aggressively commits various traffic offenses that endanger the lives of other motorists or property.
No one should drive in an aggressive manner, but this is a reality that is observed in streets in cities across the United States. It is important that you know what are the different types and signs of aggressive drivers. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about aggressive driving.
What is Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving comes in many forms. A person who drives in an aggressive manner can endanger the lives of other drives, pedestrians, and property. Aggressive drivers are notorious for not following laws and rules that have been established to keep everyone safe on the road.
Aggressive driving is an irresponsible choice that can lead to negative consequences for both the aggressive driver and other drivers. The latest statistics show that aggressive driving causes serious problems. For example, statistics indicate that roughly 70% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving.
Speeding is one of the signs of aggressive driving. Statistics show that in 2018, speeding killed 9,378 people. These were preventable deaths as there is no excuse for speeding as it is against the law.
Extreme cases of aggressive driving can lead to a phenomenon called road rage. If this happens, the aggressive driver can become more violent towards other drivers. This can lead to harm.
Identifying the Signs of Aggressive Driving
Chances are that you have seen aggressive drivers. Picture this, your neighbor leaves home late for work. It is 7:30 in the morning and she has to be there in 30 minutes. She wants to make it to work as soon as possible.
On the way to work there is a speed limit of 35 mph. She pays no attention to the speed limit signs as she drives up to 60 mph. Twenty minutes into the drive she encounters traffic as she sees a school zone coming up ahead. The school zone has a speed limit of 10 mph, but as she sees no police officers or children in sight, she drives at 30 mph.
She then runs a traffic light seconds after it turns red as she doesn’t want to wait for it to change. She finally makes it to work as she is stressed because she is about to enter the building late.
This person is a classic example of an aggressive driver. She always drives like this even when she is on time for work. She exhibits behaviors that are all too common among aggressive drivers.
An aggressive driver is an erratic driver who may cut off other drivers, drive on the shoulder, tailgate or following other drivers closely, not use a turn signal, and illegally pass other drivers.
Other signs that suggest a person is an aggressive driver include failure to yield the right of way, cutting off other drivers, and blocking other drivers as they attempt to make a pass.
Ways to Avoid Aggressive Drivers
When you see aggressive drivers on the road you should avoid them and maintain distance between them. This is the best course of action you can take. Never engage with an aggressive driver.
There are several actions you can take to avoid a confrontation and a car accident. If are on the left lane and you observe that the driver behind you is flashing the headlights or high beams, move other and allow the driver to pass you.
If there is an aggressive driver remain calm and ignore the driver. If you feel that you are in danger because the driver is threatening, harassing, or following you – call the police.
What to Do if You Get in a Car Accident
After trying to avoid an aggressive driver and you find yourself involved in a car accident with the aggressive driver, you need to call the police so that you can obtain a police report. It is essential that you obtain a police report.
Make sure you write down the vehicle’s description, the vehicle’s license plate number, location of the accident, and the driver’s information, if possible.
After obtaining a police report, you should contact a car accident lawyer. If you are seriously injured as a result of an aggressive driver’s actions, you will need to have a car accident lawyer who will represent you in court.
Rest assured that you will be advised of your legal rights to compensation for property damage, medical bills, and pain and suffering. The car accident lawyer who takes your case will make sure the proper claims are filed in a timely manner.
Aggressive Driving is a Serious Issue
Now that you know what is aggressive driving, you know how significant this problem is. Unfortunately, many drivers drive aggressively. These drivers have no respect for the law, nor have respect for other drivers.
If you find yourself driving next to an aggressive driver you need to be careful. If you get in a car accident, consider calling a car accident lawyer who knows about aggressive driving law as you will need to file a lawsuit against the aggressive driver.
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