The AAA Foundation recently released a study that confirms men tend to drive more aggressively than women. Factors such as speeding, tailgating, and engaging in rude gestures were included in the study. Women drivers did admit to dangerous driving factors of their own, such as running red lights. The study also found that young people in general tend to be more aggressive than their older counterparts. Driving a vehicle is an activity that requires drivers to be aware, composed, and not engaged in any aggressive behavior. Operating a motor vehicle irresponsibly increases the chances of a car accident.
Aggressive Driving Behaviors Statistics Among Genders
A 2019 AAA Foundation study found that aggressive driving behaviors included the following:
- Fifty-two percent of men admitted to driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway, compared with 44.6 percent of female motorists.
- Approximately 38 percent of male drivers admitted to following a vehicle in front closely to prevent another vehicle from merging, compared with 29.3 percent of women.
- Twenty-eight percent of men admitted to making a rude gesture/honked at another driver, compared with 28 percent of women.
- Around 32 percent of male motorists admitted to driving through a red light, compared with 30 percent of female drivers.
- Approximately 32 percent of men admitted to driving aggressively by switching lanes quickly and/or traveling very close behind another car, compared with 21.4 percent of women.
- Eight in 10, or 79 percent, of male and female adults were reported to display aggressive conduct when driving, with speeding at the top of the list. Speeding does not save you much time on the road. A five-mile trip driving at 65 mph, as opposed to the legal limit in a 45 mph zone, would only save you 1.9 minutes.
Good Driving Habits
AAA suggests that you maintain the following driving habits when you are on the road:
- Follow posted speed limits.
- Maintain an adequate following distance.
- Use turn signals.
- Allow others to merge.
- Use your high beams responsibly.
- Be considerate in parking lots. Do not park in multiple spaces and be cognizant of the cars in your vicinity while parking your vehicle.
Aggressive driving behaviors increase the prospects of being involved in fatal car accidents. It is best to always maintain your composure and follow the traffic laws so that you reach your destination safely.
Reckless Driving
Washington DC defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle on a highway carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others, or without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger a person or property.
The city also has a harsher offense named aggravated reckless driving. A driver commits aggravated reckless driving if, while driving recklessly, he or she does one or more of the following:
- Exceeds the speed limit by at least 30 miles per hour
- Causes bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to another person
- Causes property danger in excess of $1,000
Reckless driving offenses can range from 90 days in jail and/or a maximum $500 fine to up to a year in jail and/or a maximum $2,500 in fines depending on the offense.
Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Those Injured in Collisions Involving Aggressive Drivers
Unfortunately, responsible motorists share the road with aggressive drivers and are at risk of being involved in a car accident because of the careless actions of others behind the wheel. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident with an aggressive driver, reach out to Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Our experienced legal team will investigate the cause of the accident and help you get the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with car accident victims 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, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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