If you’re thinking that ‘road rage’ isn’t that big of a deal — you should know that in 2017 over 700 people were injured in auto accidents related to aggressive driving on South Carolina roads. And it turns out there’s more to this problem than taking your angst out on someone else.
If you or a loved one has had a serious accident caused by an aggressive driver, you have rights to compensation for your losses and damages. Auger & Auger of South Carolina is here and ready to help. One way we strive to do this is to help share the facts about personal injury incidents and the laws that govern them.
Learn more about road rage, auto accidents, and your rights by reading below.
Aggressive Driving is MUCH MORE than Attitude
Aggressive driving is a combination of moving offenses — such as following too closely, erratic lane changing, or prohibited passing — which endangers other drivers or property. When aggressive driving becomes severe, even deadly. This is known as road rage.
Recent public safety campaigns have focused on cell phone usage — specifically texting while driving — but the truth is that aggressive drivers cause far more auto accidents and injuries than those resulting from mobile device distraction. To wit, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that aggressive driving was a factor in over half of the fatal crashes that occurred between 2003 and 2007.
Don’t Take Your Rage Out on the Road
It is not uncommon to encounter aggressive or bad drivers on the roadway, though true road rage is less frequent and can turn deadly for one or both parties. The aggressive or violent behavior might from the driver’s uncontrolled anger at another driver who is slowing them down or annoying them in some way.
Or they may have jumped behind the wheel after an upsetting experience and have no business driving a multi-ton vehicle. Whatever the premise, road rage may result in the following conduct:
- Intentionally hitting another vehicle
- Running another vehicle off of the roadway
- Exiting their vehicle in order to physically confront another driver
- Using a weapon to intimidate another driver
The Growing Popularity of Aggressive Driving
In a detailed 2016 AAA survey, nearly 80% of drivers admitted to expressing anger or aggression toward other motorists while on the road. The study found that:
- 51% of drivers purposefully tailgated another driver
- 47% of drivers purposefully yelled at another driver
- 45% of drivers honked to demonstrate annoyance or anger
- 33% of drivers made angry gestures to another driver
- 24% of drivers blocked another vehicle from changing lanes
- 12% of drivers cut off another driver on purpose
- 4% of drivers exited their vehicle to confront another driver
- 3% of drivers intentionally bumped or rammed another vehicle
Despite the upward trending of these aggressive behaviors, prevalent road rage which leads to serious injury or property damage can be criminally charged.
Let the Hot Air Out of the Situation
Never respond to aggression with aggression. If you do encounter an angry or outraged driver, there are several things you can do to remove yourself from the situation or keep it from escalating.
- While on the road, do not make eye contact or try to communicate with the angry driver.
- Pull over to a safe location when possible. Police stations, hospitals, or firehouses are good options.
- Park where you have room to pull out safely if you are approached by the angry driver. Keep your doors locked and stay as calm and courteous as possible.
- If you feel threatened, call 911.
Auger & Auger Means Business!
Our South Carolina law firm understands that dealing with insurance companies after an aggressive accident can be confusing and stressful. We want you to know that you have the right to recover compensation for your losses and damages and our south carolina auto accident attorney will go the last mile to win your case.
We take your case personally and want to help you negotiate a settlement for damaged property, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Call us at 800-559-5741 to speak with an Auger & Auger auto accident attorney about your case.