What Is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving is characterized by intentionally pushy or bold behavior behind the wheel, disregarding traffic laws and the people they are meant to protect. Aggressive actions increase the chance for a collision, endangering the driver and possibly others.
Aggression may be aimed at another drive or may simply be “acting out” on the part of the perturbed individual. Unlike road rage, which is a violent act toward a specific victim, unsafe driving sparked by aggression is a far more widespread traffic problem. It is probably under reported, due to the media attention given to the more sensational road rage and due to ignorance of the signs by victims.
Signs of Aggressive Driving
It is possible to commit traffic infractions without being aggressive or intending to threaten another driver. Studies have shown, though, that certain actions are common to many cases of identifiable aggression at the wheel.
These traffic violations, if intentional, may be symptoms of aggressive driving:
• Speeding, especially in unsafe or weather-compromised conditions
• Blocking other cars from moving
• Driving in two lanes
• Crossing the center line
• Tailgating
• Changing lanes abruptly
• Failing to signal a turn
• Running stop signs or red lights
There is no way to measure whether a driver was emotionally engaged during these acts other than through questioning. However, in documented instances in which drivers or witnesses said that they were acting on aggression, these violations were frequently involved. Cursing, rudely gesturing and actually physically assaulting another car or driver are not prerequisites of aggressive incidents, although they may occur. Defend your rights, contact one of our car accident lawyers in your area.
Read More About Aggressive Driving Next Page
|