Parker Waichman LLP

Aggressive Drivers and Road Rage Pose a Threat to NY Drivers

Many individuals in New York and across the country experience anger and impatience when driving through traffic. People get frustrated when they are late to a meeting or an appointment and traffic has come to a standstill. As many as eight out of ten drivers admit to participating in this dangerous practice. Aggressive driving behavior […]

Many individuals in New York and across the country experience anger and impatience when driving through traffic. People get frustrated when they are late to a meeting or an appointment and traffic has come to a standstill. As many as eight out of ten drivers admit to participating in this dangerous practice. Aggressive driving behavior threatens the lives of those doing the reckless driving, as well as the lives of everyone else on the road.

Signs of Aggressive Driving

According to AAA (Automobile Association of America), there are several driving behaviors that are indications of aggressive driving. These include: switching lanes erratically and blocking other drivers; racing or speeding with other vehicles; failing to yield to stop signs, pedestrian crossings, and traffic signals; aggressive honking, yelling obscenities, using inappropriate hand gestures; seeking confrontations with other drivers; and following too closely or tailgating.

Speeding is one of the most prevalent aggressive behaviors. AAA Foundation studies show that speeding is a factor in one-third of all fatal crashes. Despite a strong public awareness and understanding of aggressive driving, many people are willing to excuse aggressive behaviors.

Half of all drivers in AAA’s Traffic Safety Culture Index admitted to exceeding both neighborhood and highway speed limits by more than 15 percent in the past 30 days. More astounding, a quarter of drivers say they consider speeding acceptable, reports AAA Foundation for Public Safety.

Parker Waichman LLP has extensive experience and success representing automobile accident victims. Attorneys at the firm are available to answer legal questions concerning filing a potential lawsuit.

Physical Aggression

Aggressive driving was involved in 56 percent of fatal motor vehicle accidents, as reported by AAA. In some cases, road rage may turn physical. Drivers have been known to get out of their vehicles and physically confront another motorist in a fit of fury. Extreme situations may involve weapons and result sadly, in serious injury or death. According to experts who study driving habits, men are three times more likely to exhibit aggressive driving behavior than women, and men between the ages of 19 and 39 are the most aggressive on the roadways, reports NBC News.

“We’ve all heard the old adage, we all say things we don’t mean when we’re angry. Well, when you’re behind the wheel, you do things you wouldn’t otherwise do when you’re angry,” said Jake Nelson, director of traffic safety advocacy and research with AAA.

One extreme example of aggressive driving was caught on-camera outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The driver of a pickup truck became so frustrated that he couldn’t pass that he rammed the car in front of him and sent it careening off the road into a guardrail.

“It was terrifying. I don’t remember what I was thinking, but it was just scary,” the 18-year-old driver who was hit, told NBC affiliate KJRJ. He was shaken, but aside from the minor injuries of his 17-year-old passenger, unhurt. The police tracked down the alleged driver of the pickup truck. The 45-year-old faced felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and leaving the scene of an injury accident.

A traffic altercation in Austin, Texas turned into a road rage duel with baseball bats. Near San Bernardino, an all-out brawl broke out at a stop light. Virginia state police troopers say they observe this type of behavior every day.

‘It might turn into a verbal altercation, which might turn into a physical altercation, and now you have maybe two parties fighting on the side of the interstate,” said state trooper Anthony Johnson.

Drivers in the congested northeast are more likely to yell, honk or gesture than drivers in other parts of the United States, reports NBC News.

What to Do If Witnessing Aggressive Driving

“Be tolerant, don’t engage, focus on getting to your destination safely,” Nelson said. And if you come across an overly aggressive driver, take precautions. Police say if someone tries to run you off the road, tailgates, or follows you, don’t go home. Instead, call 911 and drive to a nearby police, fire station, or a public place like a shopping mall for help.

“Don’t contact them if they are giving you obscene gestures,” Johnson said. “Don’t even look at them and if they are following you, get off.”

Legal Advice and Information for Car Accident Victims

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you may have valuable legal rights. The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. We urge you to contact us at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

More on New York Accidents

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
It was a pleasure speaking with Ms. Josama. I really like how she made my grandmother feel safe and secure and make a decision. Thank you.
Matt Smart
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Edward Mooney
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Your site helped me, turns out human bodyparts make great business
Resetti
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038