The majority of road users are conscientious and do their best to reduce the risk of accidents. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Some drivers become agitated when behind the wheel, which can lead to aggressive behaviors.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over 60% of fatal road traffic collisions stem from aggression. Why are aggressive drivers so dangerous?
Excessive speeds
The NHTSA has published a list of behaviors that are typically associated with aggressive driving, and the most common among them is speeding. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the impact of a collision will be. A car traveling at 80 mph is four times more likely to cause a fatality during a crash than a car traveling at 60 mph.
Tailgating
Another common driving behavior associated with aggression is tailgating. This occurs when a vehicle is following too closely behind the vehicle in front of it. In cases involving aggression, this usually happens because the driver behind wants to get past or grab the attention of the driver they are following. Tailgating is dangerous because it reduces the braking distance between vehicles. A tailgating vehicle may not be able to stop in time should they need to.
Aggressive drivers tend to behave erratically, which puts others around them in danger. Unfortunately, you can only control your own behavior and not that of other road users. If an aggressive driver has injured you in a crash, you may be able to hold them to account legally. Seek further guidance to find out whether or not pursuing financial compensation is a viable option.