The Connection Between Car Accidents and Aggressive Driving Behaviors

Car accidents are a common and devastating experience on Alabama roadways. Most people are lucky enough to leave the scene with no injuries and minimal property damage. But when aggressive driving is involved, the outcome is likely to be far worse. The link between aggressive driving behaviors and car accidents is clear and supported by a growing body of research.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash, you could be entitled to compensation from the liable party. Find out more now by calling Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell at 251-651-0483.

The Definition of Aggressive Driving

Safety institutes define aggressive driving as any deliberate driving behavior deemed to be unsafe. Drivers who engage in these behaviors either completely disregard others’ safety or have malicious intent. Common examples of aggressive driving behaviors include:

• Excessive speeding

• Tailgating

• Cutting drivers off and then slowing down

• Weaving in and out of traffic to save time or irritate other drivers

• Running through red lights

• Trying to catch other drivers unaware or irritate them by inappropriate use of headlights or brakes

• Blocking cars attempting to change lanes or pass

• Changing lanes without using a turn signal

As you can see, these behaviors are annoying, inherently unsafe, and likely to escalate a situation rather than de-escalate it. Drivers often turn to these behaviors when they are in a rush, annoyed with another driver’s behavior, or are otherwise in a bad mood. However, it’s important to note that these behaviors never actually “punish” the driver that the aggressive driver is targeting. All these behaviors do is increase the likelihood of retaliation, putting everyone on the road in greater danger.

An Uptick in Aggressive Driving Across the United States

Aggressive driving is a growing issue in Bay Minette and throughout the United States. Excessing speeding, perhaps the most common type of aggressive driving, is closely linked to fatalities. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute reports that nearly 20% of fatal crashes are related to excessive speeding.

The NHTSA indicates that aggressive driving has been an issue since the dawn of cars as a mode of travel, but they also say that the issue has become more prevalent in recent years. The number of licensed drivers in the United States has risen dramatically in recent decades, making it more likely that drivers will get caught in bad traffic or encounter a bad or inexperienced driver. When you combine these issues, an increase in aggressive driving is inevitable.

How Aggressive Driving Can Lead to Car Accidents—and Make Them More Severe

When you look at the range of unsafe behaviors that make up aggressive driving, it’s easy to see how they can increase accident rates. Drivers operate with a general expectation that others will drive in a predictable and reasonable manner. When other drivers don’t meet this expectation, drivers have to make quick adjustments to protect themselves or others.

For example: another driver may expect others to leave appropriate space when changing lanes or turning. When another driver swerves in front of them and hits their brakes, they must quickly brake to avoid rear-ending the car in question. At some point, an aggressive driver will encounter someone who cannot react quickly enough and cause an accident.

Additionally, aggressive driving is likely to result in more severe accidents than accidental unsafe driving behaviors. Aggressive drivers are often in a heightened state of agitation, which makes it harder for them to make appropriate choices, respond quickly to changes in their environment, and be reasonable when faced with danger. Even if an aggressive driver realizes that they’ve gone too far and likely caused a collision, it’s extremely unlikely that they’ll be able to take enough evasive action to avoid a crash.

If You Were Injured by an Aggressive Driver, Call Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell Now

Aggressive drivers must be held accountable for their unsafe decisions that endanger others’ lives. If you’re the victim of an aggressive driver, call Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell to set up a consultation. You can reach our Bay Minette office at 251-651-0483 or fill out our online contact form to have a team member contact you.

The Connection Between Car Accidents and Aggressive Driving Behaviors

Discover the unsettling correlation between aggressive driving and car accidents. From excessive speeding to tailgating, understand how these behaviors heighten the risk of collisions and endanger lives. If you've suffered due to an aggressive driver, seek justice and compensation by contacting Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell at 251-651-0483.

Service Type: Car accident attorneys