Aggressive Driving, “Road Rage” and Traffic Accidents in Delaware

Sitting in traffic that is not moving, a stressful day at work, having an argument with your partner, or getting upset because of the actions of another driver: these are just a few of the factors that can contribute to a “road rage” incident. Road rage can typically be described as aggressive, angry and even violent behavior behind the wheel.

Road rage is dangerous and irresponsible behavior that can lead to car crashes with innocent drivers and pedestrians who had the misfortune of getting in the path of a driver who is blind with rage. Witnessing a road rage incident can be terrifying, and getting involved in a road rage accident can be deadly. According to Safemotorist.com, about 66 percent of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving, 37 percent of aggressive driving incidents involve a fire arm, and 2 percent of drivers admit to trying to run an aggressor off of the road.

What does road rage behavior look like?

Anyone who has been driving for any length of time has likely seen a live demonstration of aggressive driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving that includes behaviors such as

• Sudden braking and fast acceleration
• Fast lane changes
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Following too closely
• Running red lights
• Cutting off another driver
• Speeding

In Delaware, aggressive driving is any combination of three or more specific illegal actions in one continuous incident, such as:

1. Not following a traffic control device
2. Passing on the right
3. Not driving within the traffic lane
4. Tailgating
5. Failure to yield right of way
6. Improper entrance to the roadway
7. Not using turn signals
8. Failure to stop or yield at a sign
9. Overtaking and passing a stopped school bus
10. Speeding

The fine for aggressive driving can range from $100 to $300 with a possible jail time of 10 to 30 days.

When aggressive driving becomes road rage

Aggressive driving escalates to road rage when a driver begins to make threatening gestures at another motorist, yelling in anger, physical confrontation, assault and even murder. NHTSA says that road rage is at the extreme end of the aggressive driving continuum. This can become a traffic violation when the aggressive driver operates a vehicle in such a way that is likely to endanger other people and property. Road rage is a criminal offense.

Tips for avoiding road rage behavior

Aggressive driving behavior can be contagious sometimes, and as you know, it takes two to have a conflict. Here are a few tips to calm your inner aggressive driver and avoid confrontations with drivers who are exhibiting road rage behaviors:

• Listen to music that you enjoy while you drive.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so that you do not have to speed, or feel pressured when you get stuck in congested traffic backups.
• Take a few minutes to cool down if you are angry when you are getting ready to drive.
• If you are on a long road trip, allow plenty of time for rest breaks where you can stop and stretch your legs.
• Get out of the way and do not engage when you see an aggressive driver approaching
• Ignore any obscene gestures that another driver might make
• Report aggressive drivers to the police

If you can remain calm when an aggressive driver cuts you off or is otherwise driving aggressively you can avoid a confrontation and an accident that could turn deadly.

If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by an aggressive driver, the Delaware auto accident attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman want to make sure you get justice. We protect the rights of our clients who have been injured by the negligence of an aggressive driver. You are welcome to call 302-888-2900, or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We serve the three Delaware Counties of Newark, Kent and Sussex including Wilmington, Seaford and the Delaware Beaches.