Aggressive driving is a growing problem that contributes to thousands of car crashes every year and can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Aggressive drivers may push other cars off the road by forcing them to merge into another lane or blocking them. They may also pass other vehicles on curves or hills without enough space to safely return to their lane. Regardless of the reasons behind it, aggressive drivers endanger themselves and other drivers on the road.
While accidents are often thought of as something that happens only to drivers, the sad truth is that they can happen to anyone. Don’t allow yourself to be bullied into paying for someone else’s mistakes. Instead, get in touch with our team of experienced car accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to learn more about your rights and how we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
We’ll work tirelessly to see that the at-fault driver is held responsible for their actions. Set up your free consultation with our injury and accident attorneys by calling us at (470) 323-8779 or contact us online through our website.
Why Do Some People Drive Aggressively In Atlanta?
You will likely have experienced aggressive driving behavior from someone else on the road at some point, whether it’s your daily commute or a long drive on the highway. Most often, you may not have thought much of it, but there are many reasons why people drive aggressively. If you understand what motivates this behavior, you can avoid antagonizing other drivers.
Aggressive driving behavior is often prompted by a mixture of the temperament and personality of the individual and the environment surrounding them. For example, when someone perceives other drivers on the road to be poor drivers, they may respond with heightened aggression. However, aggressive driving can also occur in environments where the driver feels they are being followed or are in a hurry and stuck in traffic.
If you’re prone to regular bouts of anger while behind the wheel, it may be time to try some relaxation techniques to help you get from point A to point B without any incidents. Some suggestions include listening to music that calms you down and taking deep breaths when you feel angry or frustrated behind the wheel.
Factors That Contribute To Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving can take many forms and may lead to violence. While some people think they are in a hurry and need to drive this way, it puts innocent people at risk. Driver aggression is self-reported driving behavior that intentionally disregards the safety of others and increases the risk of vehicle crashes and associated injuries.
It is essential to distinguish this concept from road rage to understand aggressive driving. Road rage is characterized by using a vehicle as a weapon against another driver or passenger to cause physical harm. In contrast, aggressive driving encompasses a broad range of intentional driving behaviors intended to harm others without purposely using your car as a weapon. According to NHTSA, aggressive driving behaviors include:
- Driving well above the speed limit or too fast for conditions
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Using inappropriate or offensive hand gestures
- Failure to signal lane changes
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Cutting off other vehicles on purpose
- Changing lanes frequently, without signaling, and without leaving enough room between vehicles
- Yelling at other drivers or making obscene gestures
- Recklessly passing on the shoulder or through medians
What To Do In Case You Are Involved In An Aggressive Driving Accident?
While the best way to avoid road rage is to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and not tailgate, doing this may not always be possible. In case you encounter such drivers, here are some ways to handle their aggression:
- Remain calm: Many people may not realize that their driving behavior has changed because of their stress. You can try to communicate with them by flashing your headlights. Let them know that you have noticed their unusual driving behavior and ask them if they need help.
- Avoid eye contact: This may sound contradictory to our previous tip, but it is sometimes better not to engage with an aggressive driver. If they feel that you’re trying to provoke them by looking at them, they may respond more aggressively and endanger your life and others on the road.
- Do not retaliate: Call the police and inform them about the incident and other vehicles number plates instead of retaliating. Stay on the line for as long as possible so that your location can be tracked.
- Do not honk back: Avoid honking back as it might aggravate the situation. Keep your windows closed and make sure that you do not make any gestures or faces.
- Do not take it personally: Aggressive drivers are usually in a bad mood, and their angry outbursts have nothing to do with you. Hence, try not to take any of their reactions personally.
Schedule Your Consultation with Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm
Being on the receiving end of road rage or aggressive driving means you will be the recipient of irrational behavior and even physical violence. The emotions that result from traffic accidents can be intense and often lead to violent confrontations between drivers involved. If you find yourself in this situation, you must contact a competent attorney immediately. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has the resources, experience, and knowledge necessary to handle even the most complex personal injury cases.
We know how devastating accidents can be and how they can affect your life and finances. We help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our experience at the trial level allows us to pursue these types of cases, ensure a positive outcome for our clients, and dissuade those at fault from acting recklessly in the future.
We offer free, no-obligation case reviews and would be glad to speak with you about your accident or injury. For a free case review with one of our lawyers, call us today at (470) 323-8779 or fill out this online form.
