Aggressive driving is a shockingly common issue that factors into as many as half of all fatal auto accidents. For this reason, it is essential to avoid drivers who exhibit signs of aggression and engage in reckless driving behaviors. But what exactly is aggressive driving, and how can it cause motor vehicle accidents?
Understanding Aggressive Driving
This term refers to a variety of dangerous driving habits that people deliberately engage in out of anger or frustration, increasing the risks of an accident. The most serious of these habits are known as “road rage,” where people engage in threatening or violent behavior with the intent of causing harm to others. While there are many reasons someone might engage in these types of bad driving habits, the tendency for people to exhibit these behaviors can increase due to exhaustion, anxiety, or intoxication.
Potential Signs of Aggressive Driving
This type of reckless driving can take a variety of forms, all of which are potentially risky. These include, but are not limited to:
- Speeding
- Driving through traffic signs or stop lights
- Changing lanes or turning without signaling
- Cutting other vehicles off
- Tailgating and brake checking
- Honking to express anger
- Using profanity or rude gestures against other drivers
- Attempting to run other drivers off the road
The Effects of Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving dramatically increases the risk of a potential accident, even in cases where someone is not deliberately trying to cause an accident. In addition to making accidents more likely, it also increases the severity of any accident that occurs, increasing the risks of severe injuries. As a result, aggressive drivers are disproportionately likely to be involved in fatal accidents, or to be involved in accidents where one or more people suffer long-term health problems after the accident.
Avoiding Aggressive Driving on the Road
The best way to avoid aggressive drivers on the road is to practice safe driving for yourself, avoiding excessive speeding and always giving other drivers enough space to brake or maneuver. You should also stay away from drivers that engage in aggressive or reckless driving behaviors. If you do get injured in a motor vehicle accident, you should seek immediate medical attention, and then speak to a lawyer with experience handling personal injury cases like yours.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell have represented clients like you in real estate cases. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.
