Most of us do not know what to do when we are sharing the road with a particularly aggressive driver who puts us at risk of a car accident. Although many of us may not realize it, aggressive driving can be extremely dangerous. Some acts of aggressive driving are those that a high percentage of drivers engage in on a regular basis, such as speeding beyond the posted limit. Yet other acts of aggressive driving look more like road rage, and sometimes drivers can intentionally try to harm other motorists on the road.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety provides information about aggressive driving and road rage, and we want to tell you more about aggressive driving and road rage. The following are some of the top things you should know about aggressive driving and road rage accidents.
Aggressive Driving is More Common Than You Think
According to AAA, almost 80% of drivers routinely engage in behavior that might be defined as aggressive driving or even road rage. To be sure, “Nearly 80% of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous year.” About 50% of all deadly accidents involve at least one driver who had exhibited signs of aggressive driving or even road rage.
Aggressive Driving Does Not Have to Target Other Motorists, But it Can
Like I mentioned, many forms of aggressive driving do not intentionally target other drivers on the road, such as speeding or running red lights. However, other forms of aggressive driving can target another driver. AAA cites “blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes” as one form of aggressive driving, along with “using headlights or brakes to ‘punish’ other drivers.”
Road Rage is a Form of Extreme Aggressive Driving
When aggressive driving escalates, it often turns into road rage. AAA explains that road rage can take many different forms, and it often puts other motorists at severe risk of injury or death on the road. Examples of road rage may include but are not limited to cursing, using obscene gestures, throwing objects at another vehicle, ramming or sideswiping another car, and attempting to force another driver off the road.
You May be Able to Prevent Aggressive Driving Accidents
It is important to do what you can to avoid a collision with or an incident involving an aggressive driver. Try to maintain an adequate following distance at all times, use your turn signal whenever you are turning or changing lanes, and try to be considerate. If a driver with road rage does target you, try to avoid eye contact, never respond with aggression, and try to get off the road and find your way to a safe public place. If necessary, you should call 911.
Call Me to File a Road Rage Accident Claim
If you were injured in an accident in or around Cleveland caused by another motorist’s road rage, you need to make sure you file your claim on time. Under Ohio law, most injury victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. Since most car accident cases begin with an insurance claim, it is essential to work with a lawyer from the beginning of your case to make sure you do not miss this filing deadline.
Call my office today at 877.944.4373 to learn more about how I can help with your case. When it comes to holding the reckless driver accountable, I’ll Make Them Pay!®
