On the surface, aggressive driving and road rage may seem like two sides of the same coin. In reality, they are actually different. The connection between the words “rage” and “aggressive” may seem like they are one and the same, but they mean two separate things in the context of driving.
This is not to say that they are not similar to each other. Road rage can often lead to aggressive driving, and aggressive driving can also lead to road rage. They both can cause each other, but this does not mean they are the same.
An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you if you were in an accident that involved road rage or aggressive driving. The risky behaviors displayed with both can often lead to traffic accidents that cause serious injuries to you and your loved ones. Our team can help you fight for your right to compensation. Get justice today. Call us at (404) 341-6555.
Defining Aggressive Driving
As defined by the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) §40-6-397, aggressive driving is when a driver intentionally annoys, harasses, obstructs, intimidates, or injures another driver on the road. Often times, aggressive driving can be defined by:
- Willfully disobeying traffic rules
- Cutting people off or abruptly changing lanes
- Blocking other cars from passing
- Tailgating or brake checking
- Speeding
Aggressive driving often results from a bad state of mind or from bad driving habits. Aggressive driving is made worse by how emboldened drivers get due to the anonymity of being on the road. Because there is no face-to-face confrontation while driving, aggressive drivers will feel as though they can easily get away with their behavior and actions.
Defining Road Rage
Road rage is more than just screaming, cursing, honking, yelling, and making obscene gestures at other drivers. While these are defining characteristics, road rage is a crime and involves much more than being angry. Drivers who are going through a fit of road rage can be violent and can cause serious harm to others.
Road rage involves trying to harm other drivers on the road. This act is a serious criminal offense that can lead to vehicular manslaughter or vehicular assault. The main difference between road rage and aggressive driving is that road rage specifically targets another driver. Aggressive driving is the opposite and does not target any particular driver.
Road rage can also lead to physical violence committed in person. There are many instances throughout the country where drivers get out of their car to hurt or murder another driver. Road rage is a serious problem, and it is best to avoid situations that put you at additional risk.
If you were the victim of a road rage incident, an auto accident attorney in Atlanta can help you take legal action. With legal assistance, you can gather the evidence you need to build a strong case and recover.
Differences Between Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is considered to be a traffic offense, while road rage is a criminal one. Both acts are considered negligence and, if proven, puts the driver at-fault responsible for the accident. Road rage can result from aggressive driving, and aggressive driving can result from road rage.
A driver that is going through road rage will more than likely be driving aggressively on the road. Confronting an aggressive driver can potentially lead to road rage. It is in your best interest to avoid interaction with aggressive drivers and those going through road rage unless absolutely necessary.
How to Deal with Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Road rage and aggressive driving have their differences, but you can handle both in the same way. Here are some tips:
- Always keep your distance from aggressive drivers and drivers going through road rage
- Do not make eye contact or initiate a confrontation
- If they are an immediate threat to you or those around you, get to safety and call 911 immediately
- If you get confronted by a driver going through road rage, park your car in a public place, lock the doors, and call the police
Always keep in mind that de-escalation is the key. There is little reason you can give an enraged individual. It is always best to let them calm down and not to give in to your own anger. Avoiding confrontation is the safest way to deal with road rage or aggressive drivers.
If you are involved in an accident due to road rage or aggressive driving, assess if the driver is calm and reasonable. If the driver is upset or enraged, try to gather evidence discreetly. The other driver may take offense to this and try to argue and harass you both physically and verbally. If you can, take a video of their behavior or get witnesses to make a statement. Doing this will give you strong evidence for your court case.
Get Help from an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
If you are the victim of a car accident due to aggressive driving or road rage, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help. You will get assistance in gathering evidence, building your case, and getting it heard in court. You are not alone in your pursuit of justice against those responsible for your injuries.
Do not let yourself be a victim due to the dangerous behavior of others. You should not have to pay for damages that occurred at no fault of your own. Our team in Atlanta has years of experience getting clients settlements they rightfully deserve. If you do not get compensation, you pay us nothing. Call us today for a free consultation at (404) 341-6555.
