Aggressive driving is a serious issue in society today. According to the State of New York,
“Aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle in an unsafe and hostile manner without regard for others.”
You are driving aggressively if you are speeding, making habitual or dangerous lane changes, neglecting to signal or yield to the right of way, tailgating, or ignoring traffic rules.
Avoid Aggressive Driving
In order to avoid aggressive driving habits, it is wise to utilize defensive driving techniques. If you are driving defensively, you cannot also be driving aggressively. Here are some general tips for defensive driving:
- Stay alert – Avoid driving when you’re tired or under the influence of certain medications (prescription as well as over the counter).
- Stay aware – Keep your eyes and mind on the road. It only takes a few seconds to cause a catastrophic accident.
- Remember that people make mistakes – Don’t assume other drivers on the road know what they’re doing. Many people are unaware of the right of way rules.
- Always leave yourself a way out – You don’t want to be caught off guard if you suddenly have to stop or swerve out of the way.
- Leave adequate distance – A general rule for leaving a good distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you is to leave one car-length for every 10 mph you are traveling. For example, if you are going 60 mph, you should leave 6 car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
It is always a good idea to drive defensively, even if you think you have nothing to worry about.
Evade Aggressive Drivers
If someone around you is driving aggressively, you have options to keep yourself safe.
- Stay calm.
- Get out of the way of the aggressive driver. Don’t escalate the scenario.
- Don’t challenge aggressive drivers by speeding up or trying to hold your position.
- Always wear your seatbelt and demand your passengers do, too.
- Don’t make eye contact with the aggressor.
- Ignore harassment from the aggressor.
- Report aggressive drivers to authorities.
Aggressive driving is never a good practice. People can become seriously injured or even killed because of aggressive driving. It’s just not worth it.
If you find yourself involved in a car accident where aggressive driving was present, don’t wait to call us. You may be entitled to compensation.
Call The Odierno Law Firm today at (631) 752-8580 to speak with an attorney about your potential case.
Scott F. Odierno is a partner at Odienero Law firm. Find out more about Scott on his profile page, or view any of his social media profiles below:
