Vehicle Accidents -
How to Avoid Aggressive Drivers and Prevent Road Rage in Georgia
Aggressive driving and road rage contribute to a significant percentage of traffic accidents (and fatalities) each year. According to the Insurance Information Institute, speeding was the leading behavior associated with fatal crashes in 2013 – accounting for 19.9 percent of the total fatal crashes. While aggressive driving is not easily quantified, a study by the American Automobile Association in 2009 tried to identify behaviors associated with aggressive driving. They found that aggressive driving was associated with 56 percent of fatal crashes from 2003 to 2007.
This type of driving is defined as an individual committing a combination of moving offenses that can endanger other persons or property. Typically, aggressive driving involves one or more of the following:
- Speeding
- Accelerating rapidly
- Tailgating vehicles
- Running stop signs or traffic signals
- Failing to yield
- Making lane changes to advance in traffic
- Braking suddenly
- Cutting off another vehicle as retaliation
- Racing
- Passing vehicles by way of an emergency lane, turning lane, or an unpaved shoulder
All of these are deliberate acts by the aggressive or enraged driver. They increase the risk for accident – and not just with other motor vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists are at risk, too, for accidents with aggressive drivers on the road.
Aggressive Drivers Are Frequently Liable for Motor Vehicle Collisions in Georgia
Road rage, and the acts that follow it, are unsafe and not considered reasonable conduct. As such, this type of behavior likely constitutes negligence under Georgia law, and would support a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim in the state against the driver exhibiting road rage. The injured party, in some cases, may even be able to seek punitive damages, because the aggressive driver’s behavior could be perceived as malicious, wanton, and especially dangerous.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Road rage and aggressive driving are often used synonymously, but they are not necessarily the same. They are two different concepts that lead to similar behaviors and outcomes. Aggressive driving is a purposeful disregard of various traffic rules, despite being aware of the dangers. But, it is not directed at a particular motorist, and often is not done to deliberately injure.
Road rage, by contrast, involves deliberate behaviors toward a driver specifically. Sometimes, it can be done toward a group of motorists or types of people. It can escalate into physical acts that are intended to cause serious injury or death.
How to Avoid Being Involved in a Road Rage Accident
You cannot avoid everyone on the road, but there are important steps that you can take to minimize your participation in a road rage incident. Some things you can do include:
- Being courteous toward other drivers
- Always driving safely and obeying traffic laws
- Showing signs of appreciation toward other drivers
- Offering apologies if you accidentally cut someone off
- Not competing with other drivers
- Always offering the right of way
- Never tailgating, accelerating past, or braking suddenly to antagonize drivers
- Safely maneuvering away from aggressive drivers
- Not driving aggressively yourself
Seek Representation from a Georgia Attorney
If you are the victim of aggressive driving in Georgia, you deserve expert legal representation. The attorneys at T. Madden & Associates, P.C. have extensive experience in the pursuit of cases against aggressive drivers. We have handled countless suits like yours, and we can help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Schedule a consultation today at 770-978-6711 in Atlanta and 706-524-7784 for an Augusta car accident lawyer. You can also inquire about our services online via our online contact form.
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