The month of February is dedicated to National Aggressive Driving Awareness, and many communities are taking the initiative to help their residents understand the dangers and serious and often permanent consequences of road rage and angry driving. 

If you or a family member were hurt by an aggressive driver, you may be entitled to financial restitution. Here’s what you should know. 

What Is Angry or Aggressive Driving? 

Aggressive driving is more commonly known as road rage and occurs on Atlanta roadways every day. Road rage can be described as one driver using their vehicle in an attempt to harass or intimidate another driver on the road. Common aggressive driving behaviors include tailgating, cutting the driver off, pushing them over to the shoulder of the road, or using words or gestures to intimidate them. 

How Road Rage Causes Collisions 

Road rage can be a significant contributing factor to car accidents, as it can cause drivers to make impulsive, dangerous decisions that can result in collisions.

When a driver experiences road rage, they may become overly aggressive, tailgating, swerving, or making sudden lane changes. They may also speed or engage in other reckless behaviors, such as running red lights or stop signs. This type of behavior can put other drivers and passengers on the road at risk, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

Additionally, road rage can cause drivers to lose focus on the road and become distracted, increasing the chances of a collision. A driver who is angry or upset may be more likely to take their eyes off the road, to engage in activities such as texting or making phone calls, or to otherwise become distracted and less attentive.

In some cases, road rage can escalate into physical altercations, such as drivers exiting their vehicles and confronting one another. This can lead to a variety of dangerous situations, including assaults, property damage, and collisions.
To prevent road rage collisions, it’s important for drivers to remain calm and avoid becoming angry or aggressive while driving. Drivers should also avoid engaging with other drivers who are exhibiting road rage behaviors, and should instead focus on driving defensively and safely.

If you encounter a driver who is exhibiting road rage behaviors, it’s best to stay as far away from them as possible, and to report the behavior to the appropriate authorities if it is safe to do so. Remember, no matter how frustrating or stressful the situation may be, it’s never worth risking your safety or the safety of others on the road.

More fatal accidents are the result of aggressive driving than other causes, according to DriversEd.com. The data shows that as many as 66% of deadly crashes involve road rage. Furthermore, the data collected indicated that up to 37% of angry driving altercations involved firearms. 

What to Do When Cornered By a Driver With Road Rage 

Being involved in a road rage scenario can be a frightening experience. It’s important that you take what steps you can to minimize and resolve the situation, regardless of which driver is right or wrong. 

• Pull to the side if you are being tailgated. Even if you’re going at or above the speed limit, if a driver is tailgating you and acting like they want to pass, let them. 
• Don’t talk to the other driver. It’s not uncommon for aggressive drivers to try to engage their victims to rile them up and provoke retaliation. Don’t respond if they try to get your attention by honking, yelling, etc. 
• Protect yourself in public. Drive to an open, fully staffed, public location if the angry driver still refuses to leave you alone. A gas station or emergency room parking lot is ideal, where you can contact the police if the driver does not relent. 

When Should an Accident Attorney Enter the Picture? 

If you were the victim of a road rage accident, you should contact an experienced injury lawyer as soon as you are able to. At Chalker Injury Law, we can help you learn more about your rights as an injured person and what your next step should be. Call Chalker Injury Law at (678) 319-9991 or toll free at (800) 393-8595 to schedule your free consultation.