Aggressive driving is a major contributing factor in a large number of car crashes in South Carolina and across the nation. Aggressive driving puts motorists and pedestrians alike at risk of suffering from serious personal injury, or death, from crashes caused by aggressive drivers. If you or someone you love were injured in a crash caused by an aggressive driver in Columbia or Richland County, immediately call the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Solomon Law Group. Our attorneys are dedicated to preserving your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve for your injuries caused by an aggressive driver.
A safe driver must drive defensively, but should also be able to recognize an aggressive driver in order to minimize the risk of harm. A person should immediately steer clear of an aggressive driver if at all possible. It is easy to get frustrated, but it is safer to remain calm and allow the aggressive driver to pass. Doing so will greatly reduce the risk of being involved in a fatal car crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency responsible for improving road safety in the United States, defines aggressive driving as “when a person commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Using the NHTSA definition as a guide, the American Automobile Association (AAA) identified several behaviors which are indicative of aggressive driving in a 2009 report, which are:
- Traveling too fast for the road and weather conditions;
- Exhibiting frustration behind the wheel;
- Speeding;
- Frequent or unsafe lane changes;
- Following too closely to the car in front, also known as tailgating;
- Refusing to yield;
- Failing to obey traffic signals and warnings;
- Driving in forbidden areas such as in the breakdown lane or on a soft shoulder;
- Unsafe overtaking;
- Refusing to signal; and
- Unsafe turning.
The report analyzed crash data compiled by NHTSA, which was gathered from fatal car crashes between 2003 and 2007. AAA concluded that at least one of the aggressive driving factors appeared in 55.7 percent of all fatal crashes studied. The chances of being involved in a fatal crash are reduced by more than 50 percent when a person avoids aggressive driving. The NHTSA recommends “putting your pride aside” when you are confronted by an aggressive driver, meaning do not challenge the aggressive driver by speeding up or refusing to allow the aggressive driver to merge into traffic.
The NHTSA also suggests that you do not make eye contact with the person aggressively driving, do not make any gestures that might provoke or further aggravate the aggressive driver, and report aggressive driving immediately to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Following these suggestions may help you avoid falling victim to an aggressive driver.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured by an Aggressive Driver
If you, or a loved one, was a victim in a car crash caused by an aggressive driver, you should immediately contact the successful and experienced car accident attorneys at the Solomon Law Group. Our dedicated team of seasoned car accident attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 803-219-8870 to schedule a free consultation and receive the help you need.
