Unfortunately, driving can bring out the worst in some people. They can become uncharacteristically aggressive, meaning that they are a danger to others. Studies suggest that aggressive driving plays a role in over half of all fatal car crashes.
To protect yourself, it’s important to recognize the forms that aggressive driving takes. Outlined below are some common examples of aggressive driving.
Excessive speeding
Sometimes, a vehicle may go one or two miles per hour over the speed limit by mistake. This isn’t necessarily done out of aggression. However, when a car excessively speeds, this can be aggression. The driver may be so determined to get to where they need to be that they have stopped considering the safety of others.
Running red lights
Angry people generally do not like to wait around, and this includes at red lights. An aggressive driver may become so frustrated at having to wait, that they choose to ignore the red light and run straight through it. This is especially dangerous because they run the risk of hitting oncoming vehicles at intersections and other stopping points.
Dangerous overtaking
While overtaking is not necessarily illegal, it is a maneuver that has to be performed carefully. Drivers should not overtake other vehicles that are sticking to the speed limit and keeping up with the flow of traffic. Overtaking maneuvers should also not be performed in heavy traffic or in areas where visibility is poor. Aggressive drivers often ignore the hazards and continue to overtake others regardless of the dangers. This type of behavior makes a crash extremely likely.
Aggressive driving can constitute negligence. If you were hurt by an aggressive driver, then pursuing personal injury compensation could be an option. To do this, you’ll need to have as much accurate legal information as possible.