Have you ever tried to punish another driver for cutting you off, not paying attention or otherwise driving like a total moron? It can be hard not to take things personally on the road – especially if someone endangers you and your passengers. According to one study, roughly 80% of drivers reported expressing significant anger, aggression or road rage, which led to aggressive driving, at least once per year.
What is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving occurs when a person commits moving traffic offenses to endanger another driver and their property. While responding angrily on the road may feel justifiable in the moment, aggressive driving tendencies, such as brake checking, played a role in over half of all fatal crashes between 2003 and 2007.
How Do You Stop an Aggressive Driver?
Regulating your behavior and responses to others on the road will decrease your odds of getting into an unpleasant – or even dangerous – encounter in traffic. After all, there’s no way to control others’ actions, only how you react to them. To avoid provoking other drivers, always follow traffic laws and practice responsible driving habits, such as:
- Maintaining adequate following distances
- Using your turn signals
- Allowing others to merge
- Using your high beams responsibly
- Only using your horn when necessary and not excessively
- Not making obscene hand gestures or yelling
What Should You Do When You’re a Target of Aggressive Driving?
However, sometimes even if you’re doing everything right, another driver may drive aggressively because they are running late, upset or angry. If you find yourself the target of an aggressive driver, be sure to:
- Avoid making eye contact with the driver
- Not respond to aggression with aggression
- Drive to a public place such as a police station or hospital if you feel at risk
- Use your horn to attract attention and get help
- If approached by the driver, remain as calm and courteous as possible
- Call 911 if you feel threatened
Call Curcio Law Offices if You’re a Victim of Aggressive Driving
Remember, all drivers on the road are human, and most do not consider how their driving will impact you. Try to give an aggressive driver the benefit of the doubt that their offense was not personal. If they express hostility towards you, stay calm and avoid reacting to avoid escalating the situation.
Aggressive driving happens all the time. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident due to aggressive driving, contact a motor vehicle accident attorney. The Curcio Law Offices handle personal injury cases related to aggressive driving often. Call 312-321-1111 for a free consultation.
