Aggressive driving is a term used to describe when someone drives totally disregarding others’ safety. Usually, it occurs when someone commits several moving traffic offenses and endangers other people on the road or property.
Unfortunately, aggressive driving is extremely common on the roads. Learning more about it may help you to stay safe and avoid a serious accident.
What actions are considered aggressive driving?
While aggressive driving can take many forms, and it usually involves more than one dangerous action, some of the most common aggressive driving actions include:
- Failing to yield
- Speeding and racing
- Running red lights
- Failing to signal
- Cutting other drivers off
- Changing lanes frequently
- Using intimidation maneuvers on other drivers
- Slowing down quickly to discourage someone from following too closely
- Tailgating
Aggressive drivers may also make obscene gestures or shout at other drivers.
How common is aggressive driving?
It’s estimated that around 66% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve actions associated with aggressive driving. Also, 33% of traffic injuries are caused by aggressive driving. Speeding is the most common cause of aggressive driving accidents, injuries and fatalities.
Potential harm resulting from aggressive driving
Car accidents are the leading cause of accidental injury and death in the U.S. Aggressive driving actions are responsible for many of these fatal car accidents.
In fact, studies have shown that aggressive drivers kill four times more people than drunk drivers do. Aggressive driving encourages even more people to get angry while behind the wheel, which means they are more likely to partake in these actions.
Protecting your legal rights after an accident
If you are involved in an accident with an aggressive driver, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights. The best way to do this is to work with someone who understands your legal rights.