Aggressive driving is a substantial factor in many traffic accidents throughout the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as any situation in which an individual commits traffic offenses that endanger other people or property. Based on data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatal Accident Report System, aggressive driving was involved in more than half of the deadly crashes that occurred between 2003 to 2007.
Most drivers appreciate the risks that aggressive driving poses. When you operate a motor vehicle, you take on the substantial responsibility of driving safely. Unfortunately, aggressive driving endangers the lives of everyone else on the road. To reduce the risk of being harmed by someone else’s aggressive driving, there are some helpful steps that motorists can follow.
Recognizing the Signs of Aggressive Drivers
While it is sometimes easy to recognize aggressive drivers, other times it is helpful to look for several driving patterns that strongly suggest an aggressive driver:
- Either speeding or traveling too slow for the surrounding conditions
- Failure to yield
- Not following posted road regulations
- Passing other drivers illegally
- Tailgating, or following other motorists too closely
Aggressive driving takes many forms. If you believe that a motorist is directly endangering you, remember that the safest driving strategy is to remove yourself from the dangerous conditions as soon as possible. Pull over or get out of the way when safe to do so in order to distance yourself from an aggressive driver. And never engage in road rage.
How to Avoid Engaging in Aggressive Driving
Some of the important steps that drivers can take to avoid engaging in aggressive driving patterns themselves include:
- Stay focused on your driving. While operating a motor vehicle, your primary focus should also be to make sure that you safely reach your destination. This means not giving in to frustrations you might have with other drivers on the road.
- When drivers do not give themselves enough time to safely reach their destination, they are at an increased risk of deadly accidents. By planning ahead of time for your trip, you greatly decrease your chances of being in a rush. This way, you limit the urge to begin driving aggressively to arrive at your destination on time.
- Avoid engaging in activities that provoke other drivers. When a motorist cuts someone off or engages in dangerous driving patterns, it is often easy for the aggrieved driver to let their anger take over. Even if you make an accidental provocation, you could end up dangerously escalating things. As a result, when driving, you should make sure that safety remains a high priority.
- If you encounter an aggressive driver, you should avoid reacting to this driver’s provocation. Instead, let the aggressive driver pass you. Often, simply avoiding an argument with the aggressive driver can end the interaction. If you are being chased by an aggressive driver, contact law enforcement when safe to do so.
Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been harmed by aggressive driving, you should not hesitate to speak with a compassionate attorney. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: auto accident, car accidents
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