Aggressive driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), causes many accidents each year. Aggressive drivers can make poor choices on the road due to their anger and they take risks that result in many Miami traffic accidents each year. Many drivers are not even aware that they are aggressive. Aggressive drivers display the following behaviors:
1) They show their frustration against other drivers. This can include gesturing, honking the horn, shouting at other drivers and other signs of aggression.
2) They are distracted drivers. Aggressive drivers pay attention to what is angering them, rather than the road, making them and other drivers at high risk for Miami car accidents.
3) They change lanes often. Aggressive drivers often weave in and out of lanes to speed ahead, and this increases the risk of accidents as well.
4) They tailgate. Following other vehicles too closely is a major cause of Miami rear-end accidents, but aggressive drivers often tailgate as an aggressive gesture in order to pressure other drivers into speeding up.
5) They disobey traffic signals and lights. Aggressive drivers who are experiencing road rage often disobey traffic rules and signs because they are upset or simply don’t want to wait.
6) They speed.
Fortunately, there are many ways that drivers can reduce their risk of accidents and can reduce their aggression when driving. According to the NHTSA, drivers can play relaxing music behind the wheel and can plan ahead so that they know their route as well as alternatives routes. Drivers can also focus on driving by putting away any distractions and can drive the posted speed limit, which helps curb aggression by ensuring that other drivers don’t seem annoyingly slow. Driving the speed limit can also reduce the risk of Miami truck accidents and other traffic accidents. The NHTSA also suggests that drivers focus on driving safely rather than trying to get to their destination on time. It is much safer to be a little late than to drive recklessly to arrive at your destination. Finally, the NHTSA suggests that drivers take public transportation once in a while. Spending a great deal of time on the road can be stressful and can lead to aggression, while taking public transit can provide some relaxation and relief from the usual routine.
Even if you are responsible driver, of course, you may encounter aggressive drivers on Miami streets. According to the NHTSA, your first priority should be to get out of the way of any aggressive drivers. You should ignore the driver’s gestures, shouting (if any) and eye contact where possible, as returning gestures or initiating eye contact can escalate the aggression. If a driver’s aggression is so significant that you think it could cause a Miami car collision, have a passenger call police or pull over when it is safe to do so and call police yourself to report the driver.
If you have been injured in a Miami car accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation to discuss the value of your case as well as all your options. With thousands of client cases successfully resolved and offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood, the Flaxman Law Group is proud to serve the entire South Florida community.