If you’ve ever been near someone with road rage, you know how frightening and unpredictable they can be. It’s estimated that about 80 percent of drivers will demonstrate aggressive or road rage behaviors while driving.
Common road rage behaviors
Aggressive driving and road rage behaviors are broadly defined as deliberately unsafe driving that poses a risk of harm to people or property. They can include:
- Tailgating
- Cutting off another driver
- Profanity and rude gestures
- Running red lights
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- “Brake checking”
- Forcing other cars off the road
- Ramming, hitting and bumping other cars
- Frequently and aggressively changing lanes
- Gun violence
Tailgating to prevent merging, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit and honking or making rude gestures are the most common types of aggressive behavior.
Road rage and personal injury cases
Drivers have a duty to follow all traffic laws and avoid causing harm to others. When drivers engage in aggressive road rage behaviors, they breach that duty—and if someone is hurt or killed as a result, the driver will likely be liable for damages. If someone is engaging in aggressive driving behavior near you, remain calm and try to get away from them as soon as possible. Do not respond in kind. If their actions are putting you in immediate danger, call 911.
Once you’re safe and your medical needs are addressed, try to gather as much information as possible, then call an auto accident attorney. Eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage and dashcam footage can help prove that you were a victim of a road rage accident. Photos of your injuries and vehicle damage will also help prove fault.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, talk to an experienced Sarasota, FL accident attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.