The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) §40-6-397 defines aggressive driving as “driving with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person.” The definition seems all too familiar. We have all, at one point or another, had to deal with an aggressive driver on the road.
Aggressive driving is dangerous to all parties involved. It can potentially cause accidents on the road that can lead to serious property damage and injury. The root causes of aggressive driving involve many different factors, both physically and psychologically. Understanding them may help you recognize and avoid issues with aggressive drivers while driving.
If you were involved in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help. Our team provides top-notch legal services to help you fight for your case and get the compensation you deserve. Do not pay for damages caused by an aggressive driver. Call us at (404) 344-6555 today.
Why People Drive Aggressively
When examining the causes of aggressive driving, there are two distinct causes. One is anonymity, and the other is the learned behaviors of the driver and his or her psychological state of mind. While these two causes cannot exactly be remedied on the road, knowing where they come from can help you educate yourself and others about stopping aggressive driving at the source.
Anonymity on the road is ubiquitous. While you can certainly look through someone’s windshield during the day, you do not truly know who that person may be. At night time, it can be even harder to identify the driver. Tinted windows just exacerbate the problem further. This anonymity and degree of separation that exists between other drivers on the road embolden the aggressive ones to drive the way they do. If someone is rude or aggressive in person, there is a high chance for rebuttal or backlash. Inside of a car, however? There is little to no serious social consequence.
Driving aggressively can also be the result of a bad mental state of the driver. Sometimes the morning commute can stir everyday drivers into aggressive driving. Other times it could just be a bad day, and they stop caring about the rules of the road. Some aggressive drivers even model their driving behaviors off of the bad aggressive habits of others. Aggressive and risky behavior often gets empowered by others who do the same.
Why Aggressive Driving Is Dangerous
Aggressive drivers are known to cause accidents due to the inherent risky behaviors associated with them. Such behaviors include:
- Running red lights
- Tailgating or brake checking
- Speeding through traffic or weaving through traffic
- Changing lanes without consideration of others
- Blocking other cars
All of these actions are capable of causing severe accidents. Accidents caused by aggressive driving are entirely preventable. Understandably, some drivers may just be having a bad day, or they feel confident they can make a risky maneuver. Even if it is understandable, it is still not acceptable under any circumstances. Aggressive driving puts others at risk and should never happen. If you were injured in an accident caused by aggressive driving, consult a car crash lawyer in Atlanta to learn how to recover. The attorney can help you take legal action against the at-fault driver and receive compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered.
What to Do with Aggressive Drivers
First and foremost, never enter into an argument or a confrontation with an aggressive driver. While not all aggressive drivers are physically violent people, some are, and you can never truly be certain. Throughout the years, there have been many instances where aggressive drivers have outright maimed or murdered someone for confronting or arguing with them. This is referred to as road rage. Do not find yourself in this position and learn to ignore the urge to be aggressive back.
According to AAA, the best thing to do is remain calm, courteous, and obey all traffic rules. Put as much distance as you can between your car and the aggressive driver’s car. Avoid eye contact and call the police if you feel that their aggressive driving is extremely reckless and endangering others.
If faced with a road rage confrontation with the aggressive driver and you feel threatened, stay inside your car, lock the door, and call the police. Try to stop your vehicle in a public place where others are around. AAA recommends hospitals, police stations, and fire stations as good places to park when confronted by an aggressive driver.
Always try to de-escalate the situation. You have nothing to gain by escalating a confrontation with someone who might be having road rage. It is best to forgive an aggressive driver and not to take it personally.
Get Help for Accidents Caused by Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive driving accidents can cause severe injuries to your body and heavily damage your car. An aggressive driver’s mistake can cost you a lot of money and inflict both physical pain and mental anguish onto you. Do not take pay for something that was not even your fault. Hold the aggressive driver and seek justice for your accident.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers can help you fight your case in court. If you do not win compensation, you pay us nothing. Do not stress over how to start your claim. Let us assist you and get you the best settlement possible for your damages. For a free consultation, call us today at (404) 344-6555.
