When navigating the roadways, drivers are frequently confronted with various obstacles, such as traffic congestion and aggressive driving. It can be frustrating to face a traffic jam when you’re rushing to get to an appointment or coming back home after working long hours of overtime. Being stuck in traffic delays can cause drivers to feel stressed and angry, leading to rash and impulsive decisions while behind the wheel. This buildup of rage can lead to auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 56% of fatal car crashes over five years were caused by aggressive driving. If you’re a victim, it’s in your best interest to contact a compassionate Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer who can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Please continue reading to learn how road rage contributes to the cause of auto accidents.
What is Road Rage?
Aggressive driving can take many forms, such as tailgating, lane-weaving, speeding, blocking or cutting off other vehicles, hitting another car intentionally, passing where prohibited, etc. Any unsafe maneuvering while behind the wheel can be considered road rage. However, it’s defined by the National Safety Council (NSC) as a “physical assault to a person or property following a traffic incident that results in intentional harm. Road rage typically arises with a verbal expression, which can be a driver yelling, cursing, or expressing obscene remarks. Next, they may cause distractions by revving their engine, flashing their high beams, or honking the horn to intimidate other drivers. Finally, it can escalate to physical expression, which includes displaying rude or obscene gestures, exiting a vehicle to start a confrontation, or intentionally bumping another car.
How Can Road Rage Lead to an Accident in Alabama?
Instances of road rage are known to increase the likelihood of collisions. This is because erratic decisions deriving a sudden buildup of emotions cloud drivers’ judgment. They often make erratic decisions with the wheel, leading to distractions. If a driver is high-beaming or repeatedly honking at another motorist, these distractions can lead to an accident. In addition, aggressive drivers that tailgate other vehicles leave insufficient space for maneuvering and reacting to potential road hazards. Drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the preceding one increase the chances of a rear-end collision. Furthermore, drivers who experience road rage make impulsive and unsafe decisions, such as using the shoulder of a highway to pass the vehicle in front of them or even intentionally colliding with other drivers to run them off the road.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to an aggressive driver, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined lawyer from Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, who can help you figure out the best possible outcome. Allow our legal team to represent your interests today.
