Aggressive driving is a major problem that has resulted in more than 12,000 accidents over a seven year period, with more than 200 people dying in so-called “road rage” killings. Sadly, most of these accidents could have been prevented if only the aggressive drivers involved could have kept calm. But what exactly is aggressive driving, and how can you protect yourself against it?

What is Aggressive Driving?

Broadly speaking, aggressive driving refers to a set of dangerous behaviors that drivers engage in with the intent to harass or harm others. Also known as road rage, this type of driving is characterized by intentionally dangerous driving habits that endanger both the driver and the people around them. It is estimated that more than half of all fatal accidents involve drivers engaging in this type of dangerous driving behavior.

What Are the Signs of Aggressive Driving?

There are a number of dangerous behaviors associated with aggressive drivers. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Changing lanes or turning without signaling
  • Tailgating or brake checking
  • Cutting off other vehicles
  • Blocking vehicles from changing lanes
  • Using profane language or rude gestures
  • Intentionally trying to run other vehicles off the road
  • Threatening or using a weapon against other drivers

How Can You Defend Against Aggressive Drivers?

The best way to avoid being involved in an accident with an aggressive driver is to make sure you engage in safe driving behaviors yourself. This means obeying traffic laws, being attentive to your surroundings, and maintaining your composure even if you feel aggravated or annoyed. It also means you should give a wide berth to anyone you see on the road who engages in these kinds of dangerous driving behaviors.

What Should You Do if You Are Involved in an Accident?

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s aggressive driving, your first priority should be to make sure you receive immediate medical attention, even if you do not believe you have been seriously hurt. Then, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling aggressive driving accidents. They can help you review your potential legal options, and get you justice for the harm you have suffered.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.