Car Accident Lawyers in Baltimore
The Dangers of Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Despite advancements in autonomous driving technologies, drivers still have the ability to control their actions and how they respond to certain situations that arise behind the wheel. Unfortunately, even the most responsible drivers cannot control how others react to those same situations. Some people are more short-tempered and become stressed, irritated, or enraged at the slightest inconvenience. This can cause some drivers to become aggressive; in more extreme cases, it can lead to road rage. Both of these behaviors are potentially dangerous and can cause serious, even fatal car accidents.
Signs of Aggressive Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aggressive driving occurs when an individual commits a traffic violation that endangers other people or property in the vicinity. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that over 55 percent of total fatal wrecks over a recent four-year period involved aggressive drivers. Examples of aggressive driving include the following:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Changing lanes unsafely and without signaling
- Driving through stop signs and red lights
- Failing to obey posted traffic signs
- Passing other cars when it is unsafe or prohibited
- Driving erratically
- Using offensive language or gestures to other motorists
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Aggressive Driving Vs. Road Rage
In extreme circumstances, aggressive driving can escalate to road rage. The National Safety Council (NSC) defines road rage as an intentional physical assault by one driver towards another driver as a result of a traffic incident. When another driver becomes enraged, he or she will often use the vehicle as a weapon, with the intent of causing physical harm to another driver. According to the American Safety Council, the following statistics highlight the serious nature of road rage:
- Young males are more likely to exhibit road rage than other populations
- Approximately 37 percent of all road rage incidents involve guns
- Of the drivers who are victims of road rage, half of those individuals will respond in an aggressive way
- Over a seven-year period, there were 12,610 injuries and 218 homicides that were linked to road rage
The best way to respond to an angry driver according to the NSC is to safely move out of the way, avoid eye contact, and refrain from engaging with the person in any way. Enraged drivers will often weave in and out of lanes, honk their horn, and go out of their way to confront other drivers. Any driver who feels that their safety is being threatened by someone with road rage should call 911 immediately.
Motorists guilty of aggressive driving will likely receive a ticket from law enforcement for a traffic violation. However, drivers who have exhibited signs of road rage, threatening the safety and well-being of another driver, can face criminal charges and even jail time depending on the circumstances.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Obtain Maximum Compensation for Victims of Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a auto accident involving aggressive driving or road rage, you are urged to contact the experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will thoroughly investigate the details of your case so that we can determine the best legal course of action. We understand the unique nature of these types of car accidents, and we will fight hard to ensure that you receive the financial compensation to which you are entitled. To set up a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
