Is Your Behavior Behind the Wheel Putting You at Risk for a Road Rage Accident?
A recent study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety states that almost 80 percent of drivers admit to feeling aggression, anger, or road rage at least once in the past year. Unfortunately, road rage is not limited to simply yelling or cussing at another driver. Roughly eight million drivers in this country have exhibited extreme episodes of road rage including ramming another car or following another driver to confront him or her outside of the vehicle.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the rate of fatalities from accidents involving road rage increased by almost tenfold from 2004 to 2013. In 2013, 247 people died in traffic accidents caused by road rage. Aggressive driving is a serious problem throughout the United States. What can you do if you are injured by an aggressive driver?
You can call the car accident attorneys of Torem & Associates for a free consultation. Call our office at (888) 500-5000 to schedule a time for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to receive compensation from the aggressive driver who caused your injuries.
Are You Contributing To The Problem?
There is no excuse for an aggressive driver to give in to road rage and cause a traffic accident. Furthermore, you cannot control what another driver may or may not do behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, you can take steps to avoid creating a situation that could deteriorate into a road rage accident.
Are you guilty of any of these actions behind the wheel of your vehicle?
- Speeding
- Cussing and/or yelling at other drivers
- Speeding up when approaching a yellow light to “beat the light”
- Honking your horn at other drivers on a regular basis
- Making obscene hand gestures at other drivers
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Weaving in and out of heavy traffic
- Keeping your high beams on even with oncoming traffic
- Cutting off drivers when you pass vehicle or pull out into traffic
- Failing to use your turn signals
- Flashing your headlights at vehicles in front of you
- Using your cell phone and other devices that cause distractions
If you are guilty of these aggressive driving behaviors, you need to take an honest look at your driving behaviors. If you are an aggressive driver, you are setting the scene for a road rage incident that could lead to a traffic accident. In some cases, if the insurance company for the other driver can prove that you somehow contributed to the collision, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you for the crash.
What Should I Do If Another Driver Is Acting Aggressive?
When driving, remain calm and focused on the road ahead. If another driver engages you, do not retaliate or react aggressively. Avoid eye contact with the other driver and allow the other driver to pass and move forward. Your goal is to avoid a road rage accident — this is not a contest to see who is the most aggressive driver. If needed, contact law enforcement to request immediate assistance if you believe the situation is escalating into road rage.
Have You Been Injured in a Road Rage Accident?
If you or your family member is injured by an aggressive driver, seek immediate medical attention. As soon as possible, contact Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fresno car accident attorney.
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