The first image that comes to mind with the term “aggressive driving” is probably that of an angry person yelling from behind the wheel. While this kind of display may accompany an aggressive driving incident, the term itself refers to how the automobile is being driven.
In fact, AAA defines aggressive driving as “any unsafe driving behavior, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety.”
Examples of aggressive driving include:
- Tailgating
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Speeding
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Blocking lane changes
- Cutting in front of someone
- Running red lights
- “Brake checking” tailgaters
- Intentionally adjusting speed to “punish” another driver
- “Headlight flashing”
If you recognize some of these behaviors in your own driving, you’re not alone. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80% of drivers participated in aggressive driving at least once within the past year.
Still, if you recognize these behaviors in someone else’s driving, you should report it to the authorities. Aggressive driving is very dangerous and can cause car accidents.
If you were injured in an accident with an aggressive driver, don’t be afraid to put the Womac on ‘em.
Don’t Engage with Aggressive Drivers
When you are confronted by an aggressive driver:
- Don’t escalate the situation;
- Do not challenge the driver;
- Stay calm and relaxed;
- Try to get out of the way safely;
- Avoid eye contact;
- Ignore crude gestures and do not return them; and
- Report the driver to local law enforcement.
Aggressive drivers are extremely unpredictable. In some cases, aggressive driving incidents can escalate into road rage, and a driver may intentionally try to harm you.
The best thing you can do when you encounter an aggressive driver is to get as far away from them as possible.
If you are injured in an aggressive driving accident, or harmed by a road rage incident, call The Womac Law Firm at (504) 470-3935 today. We are available 24/7 and offer free consultations for those affected by car accidents or intentional torts.