Accidents Caused by Aggressive Drivers

Today, most of us are in a hurry. Everyone seems to have somewhere to go and the need to get there quickly. In our fast-paced society, sometimes we forget to slow down and enjoy the ride. The rush to get to places and to do things can result in our cutting corners and taking actions that we know are not safe or prudent. Nowhere is this more evident than on America’s roads and highways, where it is common to see drivers going 80 miles per hour and greater, speeding past other drivers, making multiple lane changes, and jockeying for position in order to get ahead.  Unfortunately, this type of behavior contributes to a greater frequency of car accidents and presents a risk to both the drivers themselves and everyone else on the road.

What Is Aggressive Driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving is a term used to label dangerous road behaviors that are hostile and endanger other drivers.  While “road rage” is an actual criminal matter, aggressive driving is considered to be a traffic violation consisting of one or more of the following behaviors:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Improper lane changes
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Disregarding traffic lights and signals
• Using opposing lanes or the shoulder to pass other vehicles

The NHTSA cites research indicating that aggressive driving has become more common due to greater numbers of drivers on the road. The feeling of anonymity that drivers experience on the road may also embolden aggressive drivers to act out with more hostility against random drivers than they would normally show in face-to-face interactions.

Dealing With Aggressive Drivers

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), aggressive driving is a contributing factor in more than 50 percent of the car accident fatalities that occur every day. Surveys conducted by AAA indicate that while the majority of drivers agree that aggressive driving is a dangerous behavior, they still admit to doing it occasionally. Oftentimes, a single aggressive act on the part of one driver can set off a chain reaction causing other drivers to behave aggressively as well. Unfortunately, the outcome from this can be tragic for all involved, including drivers as well as their passengers and others who share the road with them. If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road, AAA recommends following these suggestions:

• If someone is tailgating you, get out of their way and let them pass. Do not try and compete with them.
• Do not make gestures or get into shouting matches with other drivers. These incidents can escalate quickly and will only distract you from the road.
• Do not feel pressured to speed up or go over the posted speed limit simply because someone else is pressuring you.
• If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not take it personally. It says more about the mind frame of the other driver than it does about your actual driving skills.

You can report an aggressive driver who may be a danger to themselves or others by first pulling your car over and then dialing 911. Test yourself to see if you are an aggressive driver by taking an online aggressive driving quiz offered by AAA.

Contact Our Experienced Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one have been injured as the result of a car accident with an aggressive driver, call Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. today. Our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys understand the serious damages that can result from these types of accidents. We may be able to help hold responsible parties accountable for their actions and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. With offices throughout Chicago and the surrounding area, call Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. today for a free consultation.