Aggressive Driving vs. Road Rage
Motorists who take their anger and aggression out behind the wheel make our roads less safe for all of us. The dividing line between garden variety aggressive driving and road rage is that aggressive drivers engage in traffic offenses while motorists who display road rage can face criminal charges. Both types of drivers, however, represent a serious risk on our roadways, and if either one leaves you injured in a car accident, one of the most important first steps you can take is to consult with an experienced Charleston car accident attorney.
Aggressive Driving
AAA reports that aggressive driving is common in this country, and according to a recent survey, almost 80 percent of motorists reported experiencing significant anger behind the wheel in the 30 days prior. Any unsafe driving practice that a motorist engages in deliberately and without adequate concern regarding the safety of others qualifies as aggressive driving. Common examples include:
- Tailgating
- Running red lights
- Changing lanes without signaling or checking to ensure that it’s safe to do so
- Speeding excessively in heavy traffic
- Cutting off other drivers and then slowing down
- Weaving in and out of traffic
Road Rage
While South Carolina doesn’t have laws on the books that specifically address aggressive driving or road rage , related driving practices can lead to tickets, and when the aggression crosses over into road rage, it can lead to criminal charges. The difference between aggressive driving and road rage is generally a matter of degree. Aggressive driving refers to dangerous driving practices that lack the intensity and malicious intent of road rage.
Practices that are commonly associated with road rage include:
- Tailgating to the point of nearly driving the forward motorist off the road
- Forcing another driver off the road
- Hurling insults at and making obscene gestures at another driver
- Purposefully blocking another driver from leaving their lane
- Honking incessantly or incessantly flashing their headlights at another driver
- Driving with abandon and without concern for the safety of others on the road
- Attempting to engage another driver, such as by tapping their vehicle physically or by cutting them off, getting out of the car, and engaging in a face-to-face encounter
By the time a motorist reaches the point of full-blown road rage, they are as dangerous as they are unpredictable and giving them as much room on the road as you possibly can is in your best interest. And alerting the authorities is advised.
Speak to an Experienced Charleston Car Accident Attorney Today
The dedicated Charleston car accident attorneys at Parham Smith & Archenhold appreciate the immense risk that dangerously aggressive drivers pose, and we are committed to harnessing the full force of our impressive legal experience and skill in our focused pursuit of just compensation that covers your full range of related losses. For more information about what we can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 864-432-1796 today.