Most Common Types of Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is one of the most dangerous types of behaviors that a driver can engage in while behind the wheel. Aggressive driving not only puts the driver engaging in that behavior at risk of injury but also jeopardizes the safety of other innocent people on the road as well. 

What is Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving, often popularly called “road rage,” is defined as engaging in moving violations under the traffic code that endangers people and property. Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have found that aggressive driving may contribute to approximately half of all traffic fatalities each year. 

Examples of Aggressive Driving Behaviors

Some examples of the types of driver behaviors that can be classified as “aggressive driving” include:

• Erratic driving, or operating a vehicle in a careless or reckless manner
• Illegal passing, such as undertaking or passing on the shoulder or median
• Brake checking, or intentionally and unnecessarily hitting the brakes
• Excessive and unnecessary use of the horn
• Cutting off other drivers, or moving in front of other vehicles suddenly and without signaling
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Confrontational body language, such as rude or threatening hand gestures, or yelling at others
• Flashing headlights or high beams
• Tailgating or following too closely
• Maneuvering to block other vehicles from passing or changing lanes
• Driving on the shoulder, median, or sidewalk
• Consciously disregarding traffic controls
• Speeding or driving recklessly through school and work safety zones
• Racing
• Excessive speeding

What to Do If You See Aggressive Drivers on the Road

If you are confronted with an aggressive driver on the road, the first thing you should do is to resist the temptation to respond with the same level of aggressive behavior. Too often, two or more drivers engaging in an increasing cycle of road rage ends up causing a devastating accident that can involve other innocent people. Tips for keeping yourself safe around other aggressive drivers on the road include:

• Keep a safe distance away from a vehicle engaging in aggressive driving behaviors
• Avoid making eye contact with the driver
• Do not pass unless you have to
• Do not swerve into other lanes without look, only changing lanes when safe to do so
• If you end up with an aggressive driver behind you, stay in your lane, maintain a safe and legal speed, move to the right lane when safe to do so (if there is a right lane for you to move into), and do not respond with hostile or aggressive gestures, such as brake checking
• When it is safe for you to pull off the road, call 911 or contact law enforcement to report an aggressive, reckless, or impaired driver

Recovering Compensation after Being Injured in an Aggressive Driving Accident

If you were hurt in a crash that was caused by an aggressive driver, you may be entitled to a financial recovery that includes:

• Repair bills for your vehicle
• Costs of medical treatment
• Long-term care expenses
• Loss of wages or income, or loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment or quality of life

Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of car accidents in Clifton, Camden, Bayonne, Vineland, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, Trenton.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.