Road rage is a serious problem on America's highways. It occurs when drivers become angry and aggressive behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk of injury or death. In some cases, road rage can even lead to violence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, road rage-caused traffic fatalities increased 500 percent from 2006 to 2015.
Dangers of Road Rage Drivers
When drivers allow their emotions to get the better of them, it can result in aggressive driving that puts themselves and others in dangerous situations. There are three common dangers associated with road rage:
Speeding and Tailgating - When an aggressive driver engages in excessive speeding, they are making it more difficult to control their vehicle or come to a stop. When coupled with tailgating, they are increasing the risk of rear-ending the driver in front of them, resulting in serious injuries.
Sudden Lane Changes (Without Signaling) - One of the most dangerous behaviors associated with road rage is changing lanes without signaling. This can easily lead to a collision, as the other driver may not be expecting the lane change and could be caught off guard.
Angered Driver May Become Physical - When drivers become angry or frustrated, they may lash out at other motorists, often with disastrous results. In some cases, commonly at intersections, road rage can escalate to physical violence.
Handling Road Ragers
If you are the victim of road rage, do not engage with the other driver. Instead, try to calm down and focus on driving safely. If necessary, pull over to a safe location until the other driver has passed.
If you are being followed by an aggressive driver, call 911 and report their license plate number. Never try to fight back or retaliate against a road rage incident - it will only escalate the situation and could result in severe injury or even death.
Car Accident Attorney in Tallahassee, Florida
No one plans on being in a car accident, but unfortunately, they happen every day. If you've been in an accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. has over 25 years of experience fighting for the rights of accident victims. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve, whether it is through a settlement or a verdict at trial.
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