when encountering an aggressive driver, you should:
You may see them barreling down major roads, weaving through traffic or blowing through red lights. Tune in to some soothing music. According to Houston car accident lawyer Anthony Milano, there are many signs that one can spot when a near-by driver begins to act offensively. Do not make eye contact with them, as they could take this as an act of aggression in their angered state. Despite all these efforts, you may still encounter an aggressive driver on the road. Of course not. Extreme cases of aggressive driving can even escalate to road rage. Concentrate on Driving The first step to driving safely around an aggressive driver is knowing one is present. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you should: Answers Make eye contact with the driver. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual That might be easier said than done if you already have your eye on a shiny new vehicle. The contentprovided here isfor informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. When a drivers aggression develops into a rage, there is very little you can do or say to calm them down. or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Among U.S. cities, few will be surprised that Los Angeles and New York City ranked as the most enraged. The first thing you should do is stay away from the driver and do not challenge them. It is not enough simply to say that you will not become an aggressive driver, you must continually monitor yourself and be proactive about avoiding aggressive behaviors behind the wheel. However, some drivers treat things like highway maintenance, rush hour, or other issues that slow down traffic as personal affronts to themselves. In 2014alone,speeding wasa factorin 9,262 traffic deaths on U.S. roads, according to the NHTSA. Punitive damages are different. If necessary, flash your lights and sound your horn to notify other road users of your situation. 3. It isn't easy to share the road with an aggressive driver, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. If you are having trouble staying calm while youre trying to get away, turn off your music and ask any passengers to remain silent so that you can focus on driving safely for the time being. Medical care is one of the most important aspects you should consider after a car accident. Aggressive driving can be caused by longer commutes, traffic congestion, and other drivers behaviors. And when it happens, the situation often leads to a traumatic accident. Attempting to take things into your own hands is likely to inflame the situation and put you and your passengers at risk.. Road rage is a criminal act where a driver tries to intentionally injure or kill another driver, passenger, or pedestrian. The force of gravity pulling your vehicle toward the center of the Earth will influence your speed when traveling on a hill. NHTSA points to the stressors of modern-day life as a factor here, especially for mothers. In fact, a study by AAA found that nearly 80 percent of drivers felt anger, aggression or road rage in the past year. Not only can aggressive driving cause accidents, but they also lead to another dangerous behavior: road rage. Some of the aggressive behaviors from drivers to watch out for include: These types of behaviours are often the precursor to a serious accident. Drive to the closest police station if you cannot safely get away from the aggressive driver. Road rage can include shouting, threatening, using obscene gestures or excessive use of the horn. Your safety is ultimately your responsibility and should be your primary concern. Or, well, maybe. When angry, a person can do things they may later regret, says AAA. Few things make people feel quite so bold as anonymity. You may use this opportunity to drive away while your aggressor is unable to pursue you but only if you can do so calmly, without endangering yourself or other road users. Speed-related accidents are some of the most common collisions associated with aggressive driving. [Read More], KBG is a very creditable business. One primaryexample is speeding, butaggressive drivingcan includeviolationssuch as the following: Data collectedby theNHTSAbetween 2003 and 2007 shows that, according toits definition,aggressive driving played a rolein 56 percent of fatal accidents on U.S. roads. Do not attempt to . Or, have spouse or friends tell you to calm down? You look at your rear-view mirror and you see a furious driver coming at you with speed. When you are around these drivers, you should take steps to keep yourself safe: If you are the victim of an accident due to aggressive driving or road rage, you need an experienced car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you encounter an angry or aggressive driver on the road, dont engage them. Your car accident case is worth a lot of money, right? Dont allow negligent individuals to get away with their wrongdoingcontact us with your case right away. Maintain a cool head, and focus on reaching your destination safely.. What Happens When Your Vehicle Gets Towed After a Car Accident? If you encounter a driver experiencing road rage, it is likely that they are the most dangerous hazard in the roadway environment. He has spent more than 20 years in print and online journalism, that includes writing news and feature articles, columns, infographics and special sections. Do not attempt to intervene personally, if you believe an aggressive driver is about to cause a collision. We will help you get the Results You Deserve. Everything seems normal when suddenly you hear loud horns from behind you. Apparently, in the Aloha state, the locals arent enamored of out-of-state drivers trying to navigate unfamiliar roads. Avoid eye contact with drivers who seem dangerous. If you encounter an aggressive driver who becomes angry at you, it's important that you do your best to de-escalate the situation. Report the aggressive driver: If you feel that the aggressive driver poses a threat to other road users, call the local authorities or highway patrol . Aggressive driving often results from overractions to poor maneuvers on the road. Other large cities Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco, Houston, Austin and Atlanta are in the top 10, but anger also can be found in small cities, such as Mount Pleasant, NC, which ranked No. It does not matter whether you are stuck near an aggressive driver for several miles or encounter them only brieflyany time spent near a reckless motorist can be terrifying. As a safe driver, you know this means keeping to the posted speed limit, yielding to other drivers rights-of-way, and maintaining a safe following distance. At one time or another, you probably had to deal with an aggressive driver, but the one thing you probably didnt do is report it. But getting [], My word against your word scenarios happen all the time after auto accidents, especially when there are few other witnesses at the scene. Do not engage in these behaviors, as they increase your chances of causing an accident. It is important not to take an aggressive drivers actions personally, even if you are the target. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiled several reasons why drivers act aggressively behind the wheel. As long as it is safe and legal to do so, let them pass you. We want you to feel empowered to []. But you could pay a price if you dont know how long, Go figure. Most car accident cases, including those involving aggressive driving or road range, are based on negligence. What are the most popular used cars across the U.S.? If the person following you is mentally unstable, you do not want them to know where to find you on another occasion. On the more serious side, aggressive driving can escalate to significant violence. Contact the Law Offices of F. Craig Wilkerson for a personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to your case. Leave plenty of time for a trip so that if traffic or another delay occurs, you can keep your cool. When cut off? If, when you have stopped, the aggressive driver exits their vehicle and approaches yours, resist the urge to get out yourself. Oftentimes spotting these signs and acting accordingly would be the difference between getting involved in an accident and getting to your destination safely. They are very cordial and polite. Hawaii, by far, although Honolulu ranked only 22nd among cities. Always avoid competing with other drivers. You can only control how you react, and getting angry will not help the situation. . The information you will need to give the dispatcher is a description of the vehicle, license plate number, the location of the incident, what aggressive behavior is being exhibited and if possible, a description of the driver. [], In 2022, the United States Postal Service (USPS) ranked Albuquerque among the worst cities for dog attacks on its annual list. They usually just want to get to their destinations as fast as possible. Give an angry driver a lot of room by putting distance between you. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice. Change your approach to driving [and] if you insist on playing a game, see how nice you can be to other drivers., Urge to punish It is rarely helpful to other drivers, yourself and least of all your passengers, for you to assume the responsibility of punishing other motorists. The first step is to contact 911. The possibility of losing control of a vehicle sky-rockets when a person is driving aggressively. Even if they do first, do not look at them or respond to their shouting, even if it was to get them to calm down. Change lanes if it is safe and possible to do so. False When you complete a driver education course, you are guaranteed to pass the license examination. What Is the Average Payout for a Rear-End Collision? When encountering an aggressive driver, you should: Answers Avoid eye contact, slow down, and let them pass. And you might as well be honest with yourself in answering the questions the results of the quiz, which range from 10 points (best score) to 40 points (worst), arent reported to anyone. Ridesharing, transportation, and car facts, articles, and news. If a driver starts following you, dont stop or leave your vehicle. Almost all of us have seen aggressive driving by other drivers, or even road rage, at one point or another. Stay in the driver's lane. The last thing you want is to be in the crosshairs of a driver with a bad case of road rage. and more. Most aggressive driving is carried out by men aged 18 to 26. Avoiding tailgaters whenever feasible may be accomplished by changing lanes. Your car is no exception, in fact, it relies on the laws of physics to operate. In fact, [], If your neighborhood is anything like ours, chances are you see a steady stream of delivery trucks, vans, and other vehicles pass by your house or apartment on a daily basis. Prior case results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Adjust your attitude. And dont get us started on how exciting it is to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle. However, if you were hurt or harmed because of the incident, then there is a good chance you are entitled to compensation. Before you come to a complete halt, slow down. In general, punitive damages are rare. Road rage apparently is a more troubling issue than many of us might have imagined, based on a recent survey of 2,705 drivers by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Can You Sue for Road Rage? Dashboard, Everyone has a bad-traffic car story. Chrysler Capital is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC and licensed to Santander Consumer USA Inc. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. How Common Is Aggressive Driving? Think of the highway as a conveyor belt everyone will get to their destination eventually, so there is no need to speed or act impolite to save a few minutes. Maybe. Though we rarely stop to consider its effects, gravity is an ever-present force which acts on you, everything you can see in the room around you and of course, your vehicle. If you find music, podcasts or the radio soothing rather than distracting, listen to them when you begin to feel frustrated. If wethink you have a case, well get to work immediately and you dont have to pay us unless we achieve a settlement or win your case in court. Non-economic damages refer to pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other costs to your quality of life that dont have a clear price tag, but still deserve compensation. Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver. avoid all contact and get away. Get Legal Help if in an Accident If you were in a car accident caused by an aggressive or reckless driver, contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates at 800-246-4878 to discuss your case and your legal options. And if you didnt do as well or just want to learn more read on, and well describe the ways AAA recommends to avoid getting into road rage situations. For a motor vehicle accident or any other personal injury, contact KBG today for afree consultation. They can only rest easy knowing that you wont be able to take any further legal action against them, such as suing for financial compensation for their insureds negligence, once you sign on the proverbial dotted line. Road rage is an even more destructive form of aggressive driving, during which a driver purposefully breaks the law or attempts to provoke, intimidate or harm others. Do not react or retaliate if you are threatened or spoken to rudely. Schedule a free case evaluation online or call us at: Attorney F. Craig Wilkerson, Jr. is a former Marine Corps officer with approximately 20 years of experience in personal injury and civil litigation. As part of your road safety training, you must learn how to avoid becoming the target of another drivers road rage. Aggressive drivers don't usually want to get confrontational with anyone. So what do you do in this situation? Emotions can run high after any auto accident, regardless of the circumstances. Lets take a look, Steer clear of financial potholes when you buy a car. Equally, you must not interfere if you see a crash caused by an aggressive driver. becoming drowsy or inattentive on a long or boring drive is called. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards. They also offer extensive courtroom experience if going to trial is the best legal alternative for the client. Use your horn rarely, if ever, said AAA Foundation. What Happens When Truck Drivers Violate Regulations? Don't block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic. His personality, caring nature and professionalism was exemplary. Instead of making good time, make time good, says the foundation. Ignore them as best you can. But heres one way to get a measure of your RRQ (road rage quotient): a four-section, 40-question quiz from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety that takes only a few minutes but is sure to make you think. To tackle the threat posed by aggressive driving we must understand its causes. However, simple rudeness is not necessarily aggressive driving in a legal sense. The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. Dont force them to change directions or slam on their brakes in response to your actions. Obviously, drivers on the road owe this duty to each other. Think about what kind of crash your angry actions could cause. Among other results, the organization's survey showed that "nearly two in three drivers believe that aggressive driving is a bigger problem today than three years ago, while nine out of 10 believe aggressive drivers are a serious threat to their personal safety." If you usually answered Never or Sometimes then you probably arent. Keep yourself safe on the road by taking care to avoid aggressive drivers. The rise of social media has given motorists new ways to vent their driving-related frustrations a much better option than expressing anger while behind the wheel, said the insurance center. When you make mistakes, acknowledge them and give the drivers around you a friendly nod or wave. The team at Crosley Law consistently uses aggressive tactics such as these to uncover the truth in accidents involving negligent, aggressive, and reckless drivers. Unfortunately, getting into a shouting match (or worse) with an aggressive driver after an accident can put your safety in jeopardy, and could complicate the evidence-gathering process. But it can be difficult to determine who is at fault in an intersection accidentwith many turning into a he said, she said situation. However, true road rage characterized by violence, injury and even death is a sobering issue about which true offenders are not likely to post on social media., A comment by one Instagrammer simply suggested showing more kindness to avoid falling victim or succumbing to #roadrage: Its hot and tempers can get a lot hotter. Dont engage. Simcoe, ON N3Y 2V9. Pay attention to the way you sit. Cutting in front of another driver and then slowing down. If youve been a victim of aggressive driving behaviors yourself, you know how terrifying it can be. If they persist in following you, drive to the nearest police station or a safe place where there are plenty of other people around. Signal every time you merge or change lanes, and whenever you turn. Answer. One common problem with many drivers is that they dont realize how their anger and frustration is causing them to drive unsafely. Far too many drivers are losing themselves in the heat of the moment and lashing out in ways that could turn deadly.. Remain calm and relaxed, even if an aggressive driver does something that inconveniences you or threatens your safety. Include a description of the car and the license plate number. Whether youre a letter carrier, a child playing in the park, or a neighbor taking your own dog for a walk, being injured in a canine attack is a traumatizing event. After learning how dangerous aggressive driving can be, its crucial to know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe should you encounter one. read road signs and shift your eyes around. Other signs of aggressive driving are weaving in and out of traffic, illegal passing, running stop signs and failing to yield to oncoming traffic. Retaliate by tailgating them. When someone else causes you harm in a severe accident, you deserve to pursue compensation. Although they are capped in Texas, punitive damages can be awarded up to either $200,000, or a value equal to double your economic damages plus your non-economic damageswhichever is higher.
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