Jersey Shore Personal Injury and Employment Specialists

How to identify the signs of an aggressive driver

On Behalf of | Jul 30, 2019 | Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents |

If you have ever been stuck in New Jersey traffic, you know first-hand the emotions involved when you are trying to get to your destination. Whether you are on your way to an important meeting or you are simply trying to get home from work, it can be frustrating to be stuck behind a slow driver or have someone pull out in front of you. Road rage is fairly common amongst drivers in New Jersey and throughout the United States. According to AAA, nearly 80% of U.S. drivers admit to having had feelings of road rage within the past year. The problem lies in the fact that aggressive driving behaviors can cause serious accidents. AAA also reported that as many as 56% of fatal car accidents involved some type of aggressive driving behavior.

Fortunately, you can minimize your risk of becoming involved in an accident caused by an aggressive driver by understanding how to spot the signs of such a motorist. These hazardous driving habits include the following:

  • Speeding and/or racing other vehicles
  • Tailgating or driving too closely behind another vehicle
  • Erratic lane changing or blocking other vehicles from changing lanes
  • Excessive horn honking, using obscene gestures or yelling obscenities
  • Failure to yield to other drivers’ right of way
  • Failure to obey traffic signs or signals

In some cases, people with road rage may bump or run into your vehicle. The driver may even exit the vehicle and approach your car. If you spot an aggressive driver, it is important to avoid contact with them. Try not to make eye contact or exchange words. Instead, alert law enforcement to the activity so they can take care of it and possibly prevent an accident from occurring.

This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.