NHTSA Reports 50% of All Accidents Are Caused By Aggressive Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “aggressive driving” is a driver engaging in several driving offenses endangering other motorists or other people’s property. A study led by the American Automobile Association (AAA) showed that about 56% of all deadly car accidents over the past four years were caused by aggressive driving. One of the most common types of aggressive driving is speeding.

While any risky driving behavior can cause a collision, drivers who commit several driving offenses can pose a greater danger to other motorists. The most common driving violations committed by aggressive drivers include the following:

• Failing to use turning signals
• Speeding
• Street racing
• Tailgating
• Improper turns
• Ignoring traffic devices
• Failing to adjust speed for conditions
• Violating right-of-way rules
• Unsafe/Illegal passing
• Unsafe lane changes

The study found that excessive speed was the leading factor in fatal accidents. Speeding contributed to 17.2% of all deadly crashes.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about 37,000 lives were tragically lost because of rising maximum speed limits. Currently, 42 states have maximum speed limits of 70 mph on interstates. Several U.S. states permit drivers to drive legally at speeds of 75 or 80 mph. For example, the state of Texas allows drivers to travel along certain stretches of interstates at 85 mph. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also reported that minor speed limit increases have a disastrous impact on traffic fatality rates. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that crashes are usually survivable at 40 mph or under. Fatal accidents occur at 50 mph or faster.

One of the motivating factors for aggressive drivers is traffic congestion. The NHTSA found that aggressive drivers usually speed and zigzag through traffic congestion when they become angry about being stuck in slower traffic and when they feel stressed about “running late.”

These unsafe driving behaviors endanger everyone sharing the road with aggressive drivers. If you or a loved one have been harmed in a collision caused by an aggressive driver, consult with our experienced auto accident attorneys to understand your legal options to recover monetary compensation for your injuries and other damages.

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If a negligent driver has harmed you or a loved one, you might be eligible to file a claim to recover monetary damages. The Accident Attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP help victims recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous drivers. Time is limited to file your claim, so call Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to receive a free case review.