How Aggressive of a Driver Are You?

Dealing with traffic and the actions of other drivers is one of those things that can cause otherwise rational people to lose their tempers. Unfortunately, doing so increases your risks of being involved in a car accident in Bradenton. It also increases the likelihood of causing serious injuries to yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. As a precaution, review your actions and your attitude towards other motorists, along with some simple steps you can take to avoid this type of behavior.

Common Types of Aggressive Driving Behaviors

Many of us lead busy lives and we strongly dislike being late for work, school, or to pick up kids. We have better ways to spend the time off we do have rather than sitting in traffic. Unfortunately, this attitude can cause people to get easily frustrated and to act out aggressively against anyone who appears to be in their way.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), roughly 80 percent of drivers report feeling aggressive towards other drivers at some point over the past month. However, acting on these feelings significantly increases your accident risks. Aggressive driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents and injuries. Aggressive behaviors drivers frequently engage in include:

• Speeding and going too fast in heavy traffic conditions;
• Tailgating other drivers and honking your horn to get them to move;
• Failing to yield at intersections or highway entrance and exit ramps;
• Changing lanes without signaling and cutting other drivers off;
• Weaving in and out of lanes in an attempt to get ahead in traffic.

While these may seem like relatively minor issues, the fact is they can have serious ramifications.

Reduce Aggressive Driving and Your Accident Risks

Do you find yourself frequently running late and getting aggravated with other drivers on the road for holding you back? Do you find yourself involved in incidents such as leaning on your horn or making gestures at other drivers? If so, your aggressive behavior is putting yourself at risk. The AAA reports that in close to half of all fatal accidents, at least one of the drivers involved engaged in some type of aggressive behavior prior to the collision. To protect yourself and others, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges all drivers to follow these tips:

• Leave early for work or other trips, allowing yourself extra time to deal with traffic;
• Give other drivers plenty of space, which they will need if unexpected incidents happen;
• Respect the rights of other motorists on the roads and make an attempt to be courteous;
• When you encounter another driver who is aggressive, do not engage or take their actions personally.

Let Us Help You Today

When car accidents do occur as a result of aggressive drivers, the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely helps you hold them accountable. Get the compensation you need to recover when serious car accident injuries occur. Call or contact our Bradenton car accident attorney online and request a consultation to discuss your case today.

Resource:

safety.fhwa.dot.gov/speedmgt/ref_mats/fhwasa09028/resources/Smooth%20Operator%20Brochure.pdf

https://www.lavelylaw.com/be-aware-of-car-accident-concussion-risks/