How Aggressive Drivers Can Cause Accidents in California

The Dangers of Driving Aggressively on California Roads

Aggressive driving is responsible for over half of all recent traffic fatalities. In California, aggressive behavior, sometimes known as road rage, has been added to the list of behaviors included in the state’s reckless behavior laws. Reckless conduct is essentially any action which lacks an intention to cause harm, but goes beyond simple negligence. If you were involved in a car accident with an aggressive driver, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim for damages. Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are available 24/7 to offer legal assistance. We will assess your case to determine the best courses of action needed to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.  To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

Accidents and Injuries Caused by Aggressive Driving

According to statistics compiled by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in a recent four-year period, there were a total of 106,727 fatalities. About 55.7 percent of these deaths were caused by car accidents, which involved drivers who were guilty of committing one or more common aggressive driving behaviors. Speeding was the most frequent aggressive driving behavior that was found in this fatal accident report.  Aggressive driving greatly increases the likelihood of sustaining severe injuries in a car accident, and possibly even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined that more than 11,000 people are killed yearly in car crashes caused by aggressive driving. In dollar amounts, car accidents directly attributable to aggressive driving totaled close to $40 billion dollars in damages, medical costs, and legal fees. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Common examples of aggressive driving include behaviors such as:

• Speeding
• Taking out anger or frustration on other drivers
• Frequent, unsafe, and unpredictable lane changes
• Failing to stop at red lights
• Disregarding stop signs and other traffic signals
• Driving illegally on the sidewalk, shoulder, or median
• Passing other cars in zones where passing is prohibited
• Not signaling for turns or lane changes
• Ignoring cues or signals from other drivers
• Failing to yield right-of-way
• Driving in a negligent or reckless manner
• Tailgating
• Screaming, yelling, and obscene hand gestures

The Link Between Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Road rage is such an ingrained part of our American culture that we even make fun of intense and angry drivers whenever we see them misbehave on the road. But for anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of another driver’s aggressive behavior, the experience can be terrifying. Road rage statistics illuminate a reality: aggressive driving is more deadly than many of us know. Data gathered by SafeMotorist determined that 66 percent of all recent traffic fatalities were directly linked to instances of aggressive driving. Disturbingly, 37 percent of those deaths were caused by a firearm and not an actual driving accident, which proves the point that instances of road rage often end in very tragic circumstances. According to Carsurance, these are some of the most alarming road rage statistics:

• Road rage is the leading cause of collisions. 
• An estimated 30 murders are associated with road rage every year.
• 8 in 10 drivers experience road rage at least once in a year.
• Intentional tailgating is one of the most common types of aggressive driving.
• Men are more likely than women to drive aggressively on the road.

The Zebra also conducted a study across the United States to gather data of driver’s opinions on road rage and aggressive driving. The survey found that:

• 82 percent of drivers admitted to exhibiting acts of road rage at least once within the past year. 
• 59 percent expressed their anger by honking.
• 45 percent would change lanes without signaling.
• 42 percent confessed that they would yell or curse at another driver.
• 38 percent have used rude or offensive gestures towards another driver.
• 10 percent of respondents called the police to report an aggressive driver.
• 7 percent of participants got out of their vehicles to verbally confront the other driver.
• 6 percent threw objects.
• 5 percent had sideswiped another vehicle.
• 5 percent bumped or rammed into another vehicle intentionally.
• 5 percent forced the other driver to get off the road. 

If you ever encounter an aggressive driver, here are the following recommendations you should consider taking to avoid confrontation:

1. Get out of the way.
2. Do not make eye contact with the driver.
3. Avoid making any rude hand or facial gestures.
4. Call 911 if you are concerned for your safety.

Contact Us to Find Out How We Can Help If you have sustained injuries as a result of another driver’s aggressive driving, you have the right to hold that driver responsible. Our skilled team of personal injury attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers can help you recover compensation for the losses you have suffered, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate legal team.