We all encounter other drivers who are in a rush or project their anger on the roadway for no apparent reason. This could include tailgating, shouting, giving rude gestures, pulling illegal and dangerous driving maneuvers, and engaging in violent encounters.
According to the NHTSA, aggressive driving is often the result of:
- Impatient drivers. Drivers who are running late for work or who encounter delays in traffic may become impatient and behave in ways they normally wouldn't.
- Habitual aggressive driving. For some drivers, aggressive driving is habitual behavior. Some aggressive drivers have become comfortable with dangerous behavior, while others have complete disregard for the safety of others and the law.
- Anonymity of being in a car. Some drivers may make rude gestures or shout from the anonymity of their cars, but would never do the same in other circumstances.
Important tips for dealing with aggressive drivers
There are ways that you can deal with aggressive drivers to minimize the risks of being injured. Here are some important tips:
- Keep your distance. If you notice another driver speeding, weaving through traffic, or behaving in an aggressive manner, the best thing to do is keep your distance. If you're being tailgated by an aggressive driver, simply pull over and let that driver pass. You can also take down the driver's license plate and vehicle description, then report the driver to the police.
- Ignore drivers who try to engage in road rage. Some drivers may become specifically angry at you for inconveniencing them in some way, such as not driving fast enough. If another driver honks their horn at you, gives you a rude gesture, or shouts out of the window, simply ignore them. It can be tempting to want to honk or shout back, but this can only cause a minor situation to escalate into something far worse.
- De-escalate the situation if the aggressive driver follows you. Sometimes ignoring an aggressive driver isn't enough to avoid a dangerous situation. If an aggressive driver follows you, it's important that you consider taking these steps:
- Lock your doors and roll up the windows when stopped at intersections or in traffic jams. Also, leave enough room between you and the car in front of you in case you need to pull out of your lane.
- Pull on to a side street and wait to see if the aggressive driver passes.
- If an aggressive driver won't leave you alone, call the police or drive to the nearest police station.
Contact a Lexington, SC attorney if you were hurt by an aggressive driver
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash caused by aggressive driving or road rage, you have the right to pursue damages from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This would include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages.
While the at-fault driver's insurance company is responsible for paying the damages, don't count on them to do so. They care more about cutting their own costs than compensating crash victims. That's why you need the experienced Lexington, South Carolina car accident attorneys at Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law on your side. We'll investigate your crash and take on the insurance companies so you can get compensated to the fullest extent. Contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
