Have you ever shouted at a driver who cut you up, or beeped your horn impatiently at a driver who did not move when the lights turned green? If so, then you, too, have been guilty of aggressive driving.
While driving aggressively is not something to be proud of, most people fall prey to it at some point. Getting angry behind the wheel and allowing that anger to affect how you drive is a serious problem.
How common is aggressive driving?
The AAA Traffic Exchange found 80% of drivers admitted to aggressive driving in the previous month. They also found it played a role in 56% of fatal traffic crashes. In other words, over half of all road deaths are down to someone losing their temper.
Driving can be frustrating, yet, when you are in charge of a ton of steel, you cannot afford to let your emotions get the better of you. Aside from the chance that you could cause a crash, driving aggressively increases the chance that another driver gets wound up and does something even more dangerous. That could even include driving you off the road or driving into you.
What can you do if faced with an aggressive driver?
If another driver starts to behave aggressively, avoid engaging, and try and get out of their way. Most aggressive drivers do not set out on their journey intending to cause harm. They are typically stressed about something else. Perhaps they are running late, perhaps their spouse just asked for a divorce — but your primary concern is staying out of their path.
While those may be the root cause of the issue, it does not excuse their behavior behind the wheel. If an aggressive driver crashes into you and injures you, highlighting their errors can help you get the compensation you need. Doing this after the event, with legal help is a far safer option than trying to discuss it with them at the time.