Auto Accidents Caused By Aggression or Recklessness
In our current society, drivers are beginning to fear the reckless or aggressive driver as much as they fear the driver who is driving while under the influence. Although aggressive driving does not generally reach the same levels as road rage, the terms are used interchangeably at times. The aggressive driver is impatient and quick to anger; he or she tailgates others in a bid to get even a tiny bit ahead of another driver. The aggressive driver and the reckless driver show an overall disregard for the rules of the road. Both types of drivers may change lanes in an unsafe manner; drive at speeds which are unsafe for the road conditions and generally put others who share the road at risk. Some forms of reckless and aggressive driving include:·
- Distracted driving which reaches the point of reckless behavior
- Driving under the influence
- Exhibiting improper turns
- Running red lights or stop lights
- Tailgating
- Braking suddenly
- Speeding
- Driving without headlights when the use is warranted
Reckless and aggressive driving is a major cause of auto accidents in the United States and the Houston area as aggressive drivers simply bully their way through traffic, engaging in reckless maneuvers as they go. In fact, some research shows that reckless and aggressive driving behaviors account for as much as half of all auto accidents. While one of the above traffic offenses alone may not constitute reckless driving, a combination may support a reckless driving charge. Although speeding on its own is generally not charged as reckless driving, other mitigating factors could increase the severity of the charges.
What Auto Accident Attorneys Know About Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive drivers are characterized by chronic anger, competitive driving behavior and impatience with other drivers although road rage is usually comprised of a single incident in which a relatively minor traffic dispute leads to violent rage and even a physical attack. Drivers who are chronically aggressive can certainly be involved in a road rage incident which results in an auto accident as they are prone to making rude hand gestures, laying on their horn or flashing their lights in an attempt to get others out of their way.
These types of behaviors can spark road rage in other drivers and the situation can turn deadly. As an eye-opening statistic, almost one in four Americans admit to driving in an aggressive manner—usually in response to slow-moving traffic. These drivers stated they coped with traffic congestion by using hand or facial gestures to convey their annoyance, engaged in excessive lane changes and even ran red lights or stop signs because they were frustrated with the slow-moving traffic.
Auto Accident Attorneys Understand the Consequences and Can Help
In the state of Texas, reckless driving is considered a criminal offense which can potentially carry up to a year in jail, loss of the driver’s license and fines as high as $2,500. Victims of reckless or aggressive drivers need help seeking equitable compensation. On the flip side, those who feel they have been wrongly charged with reckless or aggressive driving may be facing the loss of their liberty, the ability to drive in Texas as well as taking a serious hit to their pocketbook and also need help. On either side of the fence, it is likely that litigation will ensue in order to determine who the at-fault driver was, and who is ultimately assessed liability.
Fourteen states have passed laws regarding aggressive driving but only one—California—has actually defined road rage. In the interest of staying safe on the road, avoid the volatile behavior of others by giving yourself lots of extra time to get where you’re going. Regarding your own behavior, be mindful of other drivers; don’t cut them off, don’t drive slow in the fast lane and avoid tailgating and your impulse to make a rude gesture. In other words, show respect for other drivers and hopefully they will return the favor.