Aggressive Driving Out Of Control
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as “when individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." Yet others, such as the New York State Police Department, define aggressive driving as, “Operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways.”
Aggressive Driving Reports
According to a report from Louis Mizell, Inc. for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “An average of at least 1,500 men, women, and children are injured or killed each year in the United States as a result of aggressive driving.” That is a little over two people a day for a completely preventable situation.
Smart Motorist states, “Reports of violent traffic incidents have increased nearly 7 percent per year since 1990.” Yet, they go on to say that this really is only the tip of the iceberg because most incidents are never reported to the police or other authorities. If the driver does not think the infraction is serious they are unlikely to report to it. Other times, the victim driver is in too much of a hurry to take the time to report the skirmish to the police.
Behaviors Associated with Aggressive Driving
- Following too closely / aggressive tailgating
- Frequent lane changes – zig zag behavior
- Ignoring the speed limit
- Erratic, improper, or unsafe lane changes
- Failure to obey traffic signs, signals, etc.
- Running red lights
- Headlight flashing or high beams remaining on Aggressive or rude gestures
- Eye contact with the aggressive driver
- Blocking movement of the vehicle
- Verbal abuse – shouting insults and/or profanity
- Physical assault
- Horn use – excessive and repetitive Failure to turn when you are supposed to
- Merging without signaling Car/cell phone use Inattention
- Failure to yield right of way
- Driving too slowly, or too slowly in the “fast” lane
- Cutting off another driver
- Offensive displays (i.e. bumper stickers)
- Using more than one parking space
- Arguments over parking spaces
- Parking in disabled parking when one is not disabled
- Stopping in the middle of the road to talk with a pedestrian and/or passenger in another vehicle
These weapons are reported as having been used in aggressive driving
- Vehicle
- Guns
- Knives
- Baseball bats
- Fists and feet
- Tire iron and jack handles
- Other clubs
- Hurled projectiles
- Defensive sprays Many others
Why is Aggressive Driving On the Rise?
Consider that traffic congestion is increasing while the amount of road space is not. This overcrowding factor can add to the frustration levels of many drivers.
Also, according to
Smart Motorist, some people feel that their car is an extension of themselves and when they experience some sort of traffic slight, such as being cut off, they view that the offense was directed at them personally.
Additionally, driving is a highly interactive activity where one must take interest in the actions and driving of those around us. This association and examination make it more likely that one will connect with the other driver and their movements may either please or anger us. If what the other driver is doing upsets us, aggressive driving is sometimes born.
Today’s fast-paced and hectic lifestyles also add to the stress of the day, which can certainly increase aggressive driving episodes.
If you have been injured as the result of aggressive driving, complete our short questionnaire and be presented with car accident attorney in your area who can inform you of your legal rights and options.