How Does Aggressive Driving Lead to Car Accidents?

Aggressive Driving Lead to Car Accidents

Aggressive driving can easily cause a car accident. Aggressive driving can include one or a combination of any of the following driving behaviors:

  • Speeding.
  • Tailgating.
  • Cutting off other drivers.
  • Changing lanes without signaling.
  • Driving on the shoulder illegally.
  • Running through stop signs or red lights.
  • Refusing to yield the right-of-way.
  • Weaving through traffic.
  • Excessive honking.
  • Rude gesturing, yelling, or swearing.
  • Challenging other drivers to pull over and fight.

Drivers expect those around them to obey traffic rules and not make sudden traffic offenses, such as those listed above. In trying to avoid an aggressive action, a driver might swerve and hit another car instead. Aggressive driving can lead to multi-vehicle accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, sideswipe accidents, and T-bone accidents. Severe cases of aggressive driving can escalate into road rage incidents where one driver threatens the life of another or even causes a fatality.

What Are Causes of Aggressive Driving Accidents?

There are many causes of aggressive driving accidents, but the most common is drivers who are late and in a hurry. Their lack of patience may lead to speeding and other reckless and aggressive actions. Alcohol and drugs can alter a person’s behavior and make them aggravated or more aggressive. Some people become angry more easily, and if they have had a bad day, their stress can turn into anger and aggressive driving behaviors once behind the wheel. Additionally, studies show that drivers will act differently under the cover of anonymity. If they believe they will never see the people on the road around them again, they feel free to take aggressive actions and think they can do so without any consequences.

What Should I Do if I Encounter an Aggressive Driver?

Sharing the road with an aggressive driver can be traumatic, so you should be prepared to take the following actions if you see someone who exhibits aggressive driving behaviors:

  • Stay as far away as possible from an aggressive driver. Let them pass you, and leave multiple car lengths between your car and theirs.
  • Never make eye contact; this could make an aggressive driver even angrier.
  • Do not respond to aggression, such as a demand to pull over and get out of your car.
  • If an aggressive driver is following you or you feel unsafe, drive to the nearest public place, such as a hospital, fire station, or police station. Do not get out and remain in your locked car, and use your horn to get someone’s attention. If you are still being threatened, call 911 right away.

The best way to prevent aggressive driving is by always being courteous to others, following the rules of the road, and being tolerant of others’ mistakes.

Alexandria Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Stand Up for Those Who Have Been Injured by Aggressive Drivers

Our experienced Alexandria car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can fight on your behalf after an aggressive driving accident. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.