The American Automobile Association (AAA) notes that a survey conducted in 2019 revealed that 80 percent of all drivers admitted to having driven aggressively at least once in the previous 30 days. At Springer & Lyle, we want you to recognize aggressive driving, which has become a major concern for drivers on American roadways.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
AAA defines aggressive driving as “Any unsafe driving behavior, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety…” Some examples are:
- Speeding and weaving in and out of lanes in heavy traffic.
- Tailgating.
- Driving illegally on the shoulder.
- Running red lights and ignoring traffic signs like stop and yield.
- Changing lanes without signaling.
- Cutting in front of a car and then slowing down.
- Blocking cars that are trying to pass or change lanes.
Aggressive driving can quickly escalate to road rage where the angry driver directs aggressiveness and rage at one particular driver. Often, the enraged driver intends to cause the other driver harm.
How to Avoid Irritating Other Drivers
AAA has prepared a brochure about aggressive driving and how to avoid being the target of an aggressive driver.
Don’t offend. Essentially, this means avoiding aggressive driving behavior.
Don’t engage. Aggressive drivers may try and get you to respond to them by driving like they are driving. For example, do not try to cut them off when they are passing you. Don’t race them so they cannot pull in front of you. Avoid other similar behaviors.
Don’t try to be the winner. Imagine the other driver having a real crisis that justifies their actions. Back away from the fight. Do not go toward it.
How to Deal with an Aggressive Driver
If you are confronted with an aggressive driver, do not engage. Do whatever you can to act normally and not interact with the angry, aggressive driver. Some specific tips are:
- Avoid eye contact and do not make any gestures.
- Do not respond to the other driver’s aggression with aggression.
- If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place like a police station or fire house.
- If you feel threatened, call 911.
Another AAA Foundation discovered that out of 10,000 road rage incidents over a seven-year period, there were 12,610 injuries. Another 218 people were killed at the hands of an enraged driver.
The personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you get the reasonable compensation you are entitled for your injuries including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other physical damage. Contact us at 940.387.0404 for a free consultation.
