Just how common is aggressive driving and road rage? According to a 2019 study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 80 percent of participants admitted to experiencing road rage at least once in the prior year.
That same study showed that roughly eight million American drivers engaged in extreme road rage activities, such as intentionally hitting another vehicle or getting out of a car to confront another motorist. But is that the same as aggressive driving?
According to AAA, aggressive driving is defined as any unsafe driving behavior performed deliberately with ill intention and a disregard for the safety of other drivers or pedestrians.
These behaviors can lead to car accidents and personal injury. Car crashes may result in serious injuries such as concussions, broken bones, or whiplash.
If a driver is negligent in causing a car accident, like texting while driving for example, he or she may be liable for any financial damages incurred by an injured victim. Compensation may pay for medical bills or help compensate for lost wages or future earnings. The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm is here to help.
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Types of Aggressive Driving:
There are many forms of aggressive driving with the following being the most common types:
- Tailgating.
- Speeding.
- Running red lights or stop signs.
- Cutting off other drivers.
- Weaving in and out of lanes of traffic.
- Blocking other cars from merging or changing lanes.
What is Road Rage?
While these two terms may seem synonymous, road rage is generally understood as the most intense form of aggressive driving. Road rage is the escalation of aggressive behaviors, including making obscene gestures or throwing objects at the other vehicle.
Road rage can also include threats to the safety of other drivers, including sideswiping another vehicle, ramming them, or running them off the road.
What Causes Aggressive Driving?
There are a variety of causes that lead to aggressive driving behaviors. Poor driving, congested traffic, and general stress were cited as the most common factors leading to aggressive driving and road rage.
In some cases, the perceived offenses of other drivers were relatively minor. A study by AAA found that roughly 90 percent of respondents feel that aggressive driving threatens their safety. Additionally, 66 percent found that aggressive driving is a bigger problem today than it was three years ago.
Who Most Commonly Drives Aggressively?
According to reports, male drivers are more likely to drive aggressively than female drivers. Additionally, drivers between the ages of 19 and 39 have a higher propensity to drive aggressively.
Furthermore, men were three times more likely than women to get out of a vehicle to confront a driver or even hit another vehicle on purpose.
How to Avoid Aggressive Drivers
As a driver, you should always remain calm when you’re behind the wheel. Avoid responding aggressively if another driver acts aggressively or performs an illegal maneuver. This is often the recipe for a car accident.
When driving, try to give other vehicles both time and space. Avoid tailgating, using your horn excessively, and only use positive hand gestures. If you notice another driver acting aggressively, stay safe from their vehicle. Change lanes if you can do so safely and never reciprocate their aggressive behaviors, like tailgating or speeding, to get back at them. This type of behavior often leads to car accidents.
Studies Find Aggressive Driving is Common
Most drivers in Colorado are shocked to find that aggressive driving is such a common occurrence on our highways and roads. Aggressive driving can lead to car crashes and personal injury, making the roads less safe—and enjoyable—to drive.
If you do find yourself involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to call our Denver Personal Injury Law Firm for assistance. We can help you understand your case, find the proper medical treatment, work with your insurance company, and determine if you’re eligible for any financial compensation.
Contact us at the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation to see the options available for you and your case, and let us help you on the road to recovery. Call (720) 549-9826 or visit our website for more information.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm is a team of personal injury attorneys in Denver, CO serving victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents. Each of our lawyers is licensed with the Colorado State Bar (CBA) and specialize in injury law.
We've recovered tens of millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients. For 13+ years we've helped thousands of people get back on their feet after experiencing serious injuries. We will take your case to trial and get the maximum settlement possible.
