Signs of Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive driving causes avoidable traffic accidents on our roads. Learn about some of the signs of aggressive driving and how a Spring, TX, personal injury attorney can help you get just compensation for sustained injuries in a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as engaging in a combination of traffic offenses that endangers other people or property. This type of driving behavior regularly causes accidents that might injure or even result in the death of others. Victims of these accidents should hold aggressive drivers accountable, and they should not hesitate to enlist the help of a Spring, TX personal injury attorney to seek reasonable compensation.
But how can you identify an aggressive driver and try to avoid them in the first place? Here are some signs of an aggressive driver and how to protect yourself.
Refusing to Signal
Aggressive drivers might refuse to signal while making turns or lane changes, endangering other motorists. This behavior is unlawful and leaves other road users wondering what such drivers intend to do. Such an aggressive driver can cause collisions if other drivers fail to anticipate a turn or lane change without a proper signal.
Erratic Horn Honking
Horn honking has its correct purpose, such as alerting other drivers of possible road dangers or accident risks. However, it should not be a tool for venting one’s frustrations or anger, as this can be distracting and lead to crashes.
Excessive Speeding
Aggressive drivers also overspeed, endangering other road users. It’s no wonder that the (NHTSA) report shows that excessive speed contributed to 26% of all traffic fatalities.
Tailgating
Tailgating is a dangerous form of aggressive driving that eliminates the space and time one has to respond to other motorists. An aggressive driver is most likely to cause an accident if they tailgate and the motorist ahead of them applies brakes abruptly.
Lane Blocking
Lane blocking also signals aggressive drivers. These drivers refuse to let other motorists merge as they should. This trend can cause road accidents by running other drivers off the road or might even result in retaliatory responses from other frustrated drivers.
Weaving
Aggressive drivers also get ahead of other motorists by making frequent and dangerous lane changes, sometimes even passing on the shoulder to bypass slower traffic.
Refusing to Give the Right of Way
Some aggressive drivers also refuse to give other drivers their right of way. Beware of such behavior and protect yourself by remaining patient, even if the other party is wrong.
How to Protect Yourself From an Aggressive Driver
How do you protect yourself from such an aggressive driver and prevent the aggression from escalating? Here are practical tips to help you stay safe:
- Continue obeying traffic rules.
- Avoid looking at the aggressor directly in the eye or responding to them.
- Keep a safe distance.
- Give way if necessary.
- Avoid confrontation with the aggressor.
- Move to a safer spot if you feel you’re unsafe in that location.
- Dial 911 if the aggression turns chaotic or threatening.
Contact a Spring, TX Personal Injury Attorney
You can hold dangerous drivers accountable for your accident, injuries, and damages by contacting your Spring, TX personal injury attorney at the Holladay Law Firm. Reach out today for a free consultation so we can evaluate your case and help you win fair compensation.