Aggressive drivers are a menace on Wisconsin roadsAggressive drivers aren’t just rude—they are dangerous. An aggressive driver may be impatient, angry, or simply disregard the welfare of others. Regardless of the reason the driver is aggressive, the danger is the same. The actions of an aggressive driver put other motorists at risk for serious road rage accident injuries or, worse, fatalities.

Who Is an Aggressive Driver?

An aggressive driver is one who creates a danger on the road by:

  • Tailgating or following the car in front too closely. This may not give an aggressive driver enough time to stop safely when the car in front of him stops.
  • Ignoring right-of-way rules. Drivers expect other drivers to follow traffic laws. When an aggressive driver ignores right-of-way rules, it creates uncertainty on the road and a potential accident.
  • Speeding. A speeding driver may lose control of the vehicle and fail to stop in enough time to avoid an accident.
  • Disregarding traffic signs, lights, and signals. Aggressive drivers may try to beat the yellow light and, thus, run a red light…or they may slow down—but not stop—for a stop sign.

There are several theories about what causes aggressive driving or road rage. Those theories include:

  • The territorial nature that drivers have over their car and the immediate roadway. When territorial drivers perceive that their territory is being invaded, an emotional reaction takes place. The anger that ensues causes them to respond aggressively.
  • The circumstantial or environmental conditions that trigger road rage. Noise, heat, traffic, a bad day at the office or unruly children in the back seat all may unleash aggressive behavior, for example.
  • The intrusive response to other drivers. Some drivers view another driver’s error or maneuver as a deliberate insult demanding retaliation.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that up to 56 percent of fatal crashes may be triggered by aggressive driving.

What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt or If You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Road Rage Crash

The cause of your car accident is important to your potential recovery. If you have been in an accident with an aggressive driver, then it is important to make note of the driver’s behaviors before the crash and at the accident scene. Report those behaviors to your attorney, because they may be relevant to your accident recovery.

An experienced auto accident lawyer can help you get the fair recovery that you deserve if you have been injured or if your loved one has been killed because another driver was aggressive on the road. To find out more, please fill out our online contact from today to schedule a free consultation with us.

Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?

If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We have been helping car accident victims since 1964 and service clients throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa

Jason F. Abraham
Connect with me
Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.