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How Aggressive Driving Leads to Accidents


— March 23, 2022

If someone is driving aggressively, do not try to engage with them.


We’ve all seen it before. Someone was driving down the road, weaving in and out of traffic. Aggressive drivers try to get to their destination as quickly as possible. While this may seem like a good idea at the time, it can lead to severe accidents. We will discuss how aggressive driving can lead to accidents and tips on avoiding them.

What is Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving can be defined as “the commission of unlawful or improper acts while operating a motor vehicle on a highway, which acts are likely to endanger the safety of other persons or property.” Aggressive driving includes:

  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Making unsafe lane changes
  • Running red lights

Aggressive driving is a significant problem on our roads.

Increases Chances of Collision

Aggressive driving can lead to accidents because it increases the chance of a collision. When drivers are weaving in and out of traffic, they are more likely to hit another car. This is especially true if the other driver is not paying attention.

Accidents

Aggressive driving can also cause accidents because it can lead to road rage. When drivers are angry, they are more likely to make poor decisions and get into accidents.

In such an event, an aggressive accident lawyer can help victims file for compensation. An attorney can offer expert legal guidance throughout the legal proceedings and help build a convincing case.

Loss of Control

Aggressive driving can lead to accidents because it can cause the driver to lose control. If a driver is going too fast, they may not have enough time to react to unpredictable dangers.

Driving Exhausted

Aggressive driving can lead to accidents because it can exhaust the driver. If a driver is constantly on the lookout for other cars and driving in a tense way, they will eventually get tired. Exhausted driving can lead to making mistakes or falling asleep at the wheel.

Ways to Avoid Accidents Caused By Aggressive Driving

There are plenty of ways the negative effects of aggressive driving can be avoided. One of the main steps is to recognize the behavior. No matter how tempting it may be to speed or cross a red line, respect the rules at all times.

Pay Attention to the Road

Paying attention to the road may seem like an obvious tip, but it is essential to pay attention to your surroundings when you are driving. If you see a driver who appears to be driving aggressively, stay away from them. Do not try to pass them or get in their way.

Practice Defensive Driving

Another way to avoid accidents is to practice defensive driving. Defensive driving means being aware of what other drivers around you are doing and ready to react if they make a sudden move. For example, if you are driving behind a car and the driver suddenly brakes, you should also be prepared to stop.

Do Not Engage With Aggressive Drivers

If someone is driving aggressively, do not try to engage with them. Engagements could include honking your horn, making a gesture, or trying to pass them. Doing these things could escalate the situation and lead to an accident.

Put Away Distractions

Man texting and driving; image by Alexandre Boucher, via Unsplash.com.
Man texting and driving; image by Alexandre Boucher, via Unsplash.com.

It is important to be aware of your surroundings when you are driving. If you are distracted by your phone, navigation system, or passengers in the car, you may not be able to react in time if a driver near you starts driving aggressively.

Follow the Road Rules

Following the road rule may seem like an obvious tip, but it is essential. If you are driving the speed limit and following all other traffic laws, aggressive drivers will be less likely to try to pass you or get in your way.

Be Courteous to Other Drivers

If you are courteous to other drivers, they will be more likely to reciprocate. Being courteous means not cutting people off but using your blinkers and yielding when appropriate.

Drive Calmly and Confidently

Aggressive drivers will be less likely to pass you if you drive calmly and confidently. They may even back off if they feel like they are tailgated.

Final Thoughts

Aggressive driving is a severe problem on our roads. It can lead to accidents, road rage incidents, and stress for the driver. To avoid being involved in an accident, always drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings.

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