Best Syndication News

Every day, aggressive drivers vent their anger behind the wheel and their behavior impacts unsuspecting motorists with results that are frequently devastating. According to a report by the AAA Foundation of traffic safety that covered a 6 year period in the later 90’s, road rage resulted in more than 200 deaths and over 12,000 injuries during car accidents over that period alone. So prevalent is this problem that prominent psychologists have been looking for strategies and intervention for drivers who are at risk of becoming lethal weapons during a fit of rage.

Aggressive drivers, according to a report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety (1999), are more likely to frequently change lanes, take more driving risks such as speeding up through yellow lights, cut off other drivers and to drive faster on average. In fact, aggressive drivers may be the biggest danger on public roads and the leading cause of automobile accidents related injuries.

Aggressive drivers frequently exhibit another dangerous driving pattern called road rage. Road rage is often defined as behavior where a driver or drivers use their vehicle as a tool or weapon to express their anger or to exert control over other drivers. Road rage has resulted in numerous accidents. Some personality types may be more vulnerable to road rage.

Characteristics of Aggressive Drivers

• More likely to be under 25

• Exhibit more trait anger (personality type)

• Impulsive

• May be angry when they get into the car

• Accident prone

• May suffer from bouts of anxiety

How can an unsuspecting motorist protect themselves from aggressive drivers? One important way to avoid having a clash with an aggressive driver is to learn to avoid responding to aggression with anger.

• Avoid stressful situations when possible such as driving in high traffic conditions

• Practice calming routines like deep breathing when under duress

• Listen to soothing music that helps to relax

• Keep a sense of humor

• Don’t rush- Plan ahead, leave with time to spare

• Don’t tailgate

• Don’t respond to verbal assaults or resort to using gestures in retaliation for aggressive behaviors on the part of other drivers

• Drive defensively not offensively

• Avoid driving in the same car with aggressive drivers

All the caution in the world isn’t a guarantee that an accident won’t happen, but if one does occur, a competent accident attorney can help by providing the legal support necessary to protect the rights of a victim of aggressive driving. Insurance companies are frequently reluctant to compensate victims of car accidents and this is why a lawyer can be so important. A qualified accident attorney can make all the difference in terms of compensation for injury, loss of income, the loss of life of a loved one, and quality of life.

If you or a loved one has suffered because of the actions of an aggressive driver or have been the victim of road rage in the Houston, Texas area call on Kennedy Hodges L.L.P. to find the representation you need.