How to Respond to Aggressive Drivers
Since the economy has enhanced and gas prices have plummeted, individuals are driving more miles. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of motor vehicle deaths in 2015. Having said that, a decrease in gas prices are not the most contributing factor. Ninety-four percent of crashes are a result of human choice or behavior. Correspondingly, this makes reckless speeding, or in other words, “aggressive drivers”, a major influence towards vehicle accidents in the United States.
Anger, impatience, competition and punishment are some of the human characteristics involving an aggressive driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) defines aggressive driving as “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.”
Common Aggressive Driving Behaviors:
According to Insurance Information Institute, some aggressive driving behaviors include:
- Following improperly
- Improper or erratic lane changing
- Illegal driving on road shoulder, in ditch, or on sidewalk or median
- Passing where prohibited
- Operating the vehicle in an erratic, reckless, careless, or negligent manner or suddenly changing speeds
- Failure to yield right of way
- Not obeying traffic signs, traffic control devices, or traffic officers, failure to observe safety zone traffic laws
- Failure to observe warnings or instructions on vehicle displaying them
- Not signalling
- Driving too fast for conditions or in excess of posted speed limit
- Racing
- Making an improper turn
Advice on How to Respond to an Aggressive Driver:
- Stay calm
- Avoid the situation as much as possible and ignore all instigative attacks
- Do NOT retaliate
- Always wear your seat belt
Aggressive Drivers | Injury Lawyers:
If you come into contact with an aggressive driver call your local law enforcement and report immediately. If you become injured as a result of an aggressive driver, contact The May Firm and request a free consultation.
