How To Be Safe Around Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive driving is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous than drunk driving. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that aggressive driving is responsible for more than half of all traffic fatalities. So, what exactly is aggressive driving? According to the NHTSA, aggressive driving occurs when a motorist commits offenses while driving so as to put other road users or property in danger.

As a driver, it’s crucial that you keep yourself safe on the road when you encounter aggressive drivers, and the truth is that aggressive drivers will always be there. The Pendas Law Firm has compiled the following tips to help you be safe around aggressive drivers.

Tip #1: Avoid Aggressive Drivers

If you encounter an aggressive driver while driving, you should try to avoid them. For example, safely change lanes to avoid the driver or slow down. If another motorist is tailgating you, you can allow them to continue ahead of you. You can even exit the highway to steer clear of an aggressive motorist.

Tip #2: Stay Calm                                                                                                           

Often, when a driver encounters an aggressive driver, they respond aggressively. However, reacting aggressively after coming across an aggressive driver creates a more dangerous situation on the road. It would help if you kept calm while driving to avoid responding aggressively to aggressive drivers.

Tip #3: Drive Courteously

If, for example, an aggressive driver targets you because you are driving slower than the flow of traffic, move to the right lane. After you adjust your driving, take steps to stay away from the aggressive motorist to avoid making the situation more dangerous.

Tip #4: Avoid Eye Contact

When you come across an aggressive motorist while driving, it’s best that you avoid making eye contact. Making eye contact may provoke the aggressive driver and push them to continue with the aggressive behavior. When you make eye contact with an aggressive driver, they may see it as a challenge, which may make the situation worse.

Tip #5: Do Not Stop

If you encounter an aggressive driver, one of the worst moves you can make is stopping your vehicle. If you stop, it could lead to a physical confrontation, which could be dangerous.

Tip #6: Report to the Police

Lastly, in an extreme situation, for example, when road rage is involved, you may want to report the aggressive driver to the police. When you notify the police about an aggressive driver, the police may take the driver off the road, which could save you and other road users.

Contact The Pendas Law Firm for Help

Even when you practice extreme caution when driving, an accident can still happen because of an aggressive driver. Fortunately, if you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident by an aggressive driver, you may be eligible to file a car accident claim against the driver and recover compensation. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here for you. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, West Palm Beach, Ocala, Fort Myers, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, and Daytona Beach areas.

Source:

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-aggressive-driving