Aggressive drivers in St. Louis are one of the top causes of accidents and conflict in traffic, and it doesn’t take a long time to spot one when you’re driving.
Aggressive driving can be defined as operating a motor vehicle in a way that increases the risk of an accident. One who drives in such a way not only puts themselves in danger, but also risks the safety of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration includes the following actions in their list of aggressive driving behaviors and actions:
- Speeding: exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions
- Changing lanes excessively without reasonable cause
- Improper passing: failing to signal before passing, passing on the shoulder of the road, or cutting into another car’s path
- Tailgating: driving too closely behind another vehicle
Road rage is quite common everywhere around the world, especially in urban areas with lots of traffic, where people are in a hurry to get to work and find themselves stuck in traffic jams.
It is the responsibility of every licensed driver to avoid driving aggressively. Statistics show that driving in such a way significantly increases the chances of a car accident.
Since you can’t always avoid stressful situations on the road, all you need to focus on is how you react to them and how you handle other drivers’ aggressiveness. Here are some tips to help you.
Stay Calm and Minimize Your Reaction
Keeping calm is the key to minimizing traffic conflicts that spark out of road rage. Even if it’s hard for you as well to be in a traffic jam, responding aggressively to rude drivers can and will bring more problems for both of you. Keep calm and remember that safety is the most important.
Follow the Rules of the Road and Drive Preventively
Even if you are already practicing preventive driving when dealing with aggressive drivers you need to be extra careful and predict their next move. Try to keep your distance as much as you can, reduce speed and be aware of your surroundings.
Pull Over If They Are Trying to Push You
Sometimes, other drivers might try to force to make certain moves, for example, to move out of their way. While this was may not be your plan or intention, it’s often easier to just let them through and get out of contact as soon as you can. Be sure to do that only when it doesn’t impose a danger on yourself or third parties.
Call 911 If the Situation Escalates
In busy traffic, when emotions start getting out of control, it’s easy to get hurt by angry drivers. If you notice that an aggressive person keeps on harassing you, makes threats or even touches you, call 911 and report this behavior. You might prevent something worse
Evaluate the Circumstances
Sometimes, a driver who seems aggressive simply has a certain set of justifying circumstances, like the classic “we’re having a baby right now” drive. Be mindful about what the other driver may go through and don’t always suppose they’re just being rude and intimidating.
Injured in a St. Louis Car Accident?
By keeping some of these things in mind, you can avoid conflicts and aggression towards you in traffic. Remember, driving with confidence doesn’t mean bullying other drivers into making space for you, yelling or honking for no reason. Aggressive drivers need to be dealt with by keeping your calm and being reliable yourself.
If you’ve been hit and hurt by an aggressive driver, you have a legal right to seek compensation. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you file a claim and build your case.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we get you money!
