When you head out on the road, your goal is likely to get to your intended destination. During the course of trying to reach this goal, you also want to drive as safely as possible. Unfortunately, other drivers do not always put safety as their top priority, and they may also allow their emotions to get the better of them.
In particular, some drivers may become aggressive behind the wheel and drive in an unsafe manner. You likely have seen a number of drivers carry out questionable behaviors, and you may have even caught a driver succumbing to road rage. However, aggressive driving does not always stem from road rage, and even seemingly harmless actions could constitute aggressive driving.
Signs of aggressive driving
Often, people participate in aggressive driving behaviors because they are in a hurry. Still, that reason does not give them a right to believe that the rules of the road do not apply to them. In fact, drivers who carry out the following actions are putting themselves and others at risk of harm:
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out traffic
- Traveling over the posted speed limit
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Improperly passing other vehicles
- Not yielding the right of way
These actions are common on roadways, and you may have even had drivers act aggressively towards you by tailgating or cutting you off in traffic. You may have possibly participated in one of these actions, like speeding, from time to time.
Dangers of aggressive driving
Unfortunately, aggressive driving is a serious problem on the road. In fact, these behaviors play a role in up to 56 percent of fatal car accidents. Additionally, people driving aggressively cause two to four times more fatalities than impaired drivers. As you can see, you face a substantial risk of suffering serious injuries in a car accident when sharing the road with aggressive drivers.
You can do your part to promote safer roadways by avoiding aggressive actions while behind the wheel. You may also want to remain on the lookout for others who are behaving inappropriately. If you believe that a driver is aggressively targeting your vehicle, it may be in your best interests to get off the road as safely as possible.
In the event that an aggressive driver does cause an accident that leads to your injury, you may want to consider your legal options. A personal injury claim could allow you to seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages permitted under Florida state law.