The Connection Between Car Accidents and Aggressive Driving Behaviors
No one likes sharing the road with an aggressive driver. Nowadays, though, it’s nearly impossible to avoid them. People have too much on their plates and not enough time to do it all, leading to a rushed and frenzied pace of life that is impossible to sustain. This all tends to come out when you get behind the wheel and have a sense of anonymity.
Find out how aggressive driving leads to car crashes and what this means for you. If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a reckless driver, we’re here to support you. Call Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370 to set up a time to talk now.
Aggressive Driving is Rushed Driving
Aggressive driving includes a wide range of behaviors. However, the most common type of aggressive driving is speeding. While almost everyone speeds to some degree, there’s a difference between going a few miles over the speed limit and consistently driving far too fast for road conditions. When drivers are rushed, they’re not in the right mindset for driving.
Safe driving requires attention to the road, the ability to make clear decisions, and a focus on safety. Speeding drivers have none of these. They are more likely to make unsafe decisions if those unsafe choices have the potential to save them time. When another driver unintentionally slows them down, they’re likely to lash out instead of backing off and waiting. This significantly drives up accident rates.
Aggressive Driving Shows a Disregard for Safety
Another issue is that people who regularly engage in aggressive driving behaviors show a reckless disregard for the safety of those around them. When you choose to drive, you are implicitly accepting the responsibility of driving in a safe and reasonable manner. Zipping in and out of lanes, speeding, and failing to use turn signals are all unreasonable and unexpected behaviors. Those who don’t prioritize safety are likely to make other choices that ramp up the likelihood of a collision.
Other Drivers Struggle to Stay Attentive
Aggressive drivers cause a substantial number of accidents on their own. But beyond that, they also make it more likely that other drivers will cause avoidable collisions. How? Reckless drivers get a lot of attention on the road and for good reason.
Other drivers know that avoiding them is key if they want to stay safe. When drivers are all focused on the reckless actions of one single driver, they are not paying attention to what everyone else on the road is doing. When someone has to change lanes, come to a sudden stop, or swerve to avoid an obstacle, drivers are less likely to notice.
Common Aggressive Driving Behaviors Are Associated with Higher Accident Rates
When you look at the statistics, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that aggressive driving is linked to higher accident rates. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety releases an annual report on accident rates and contributing factors. First, let’s take a look at what experts consider common forms of aggressive driving:
- Speeding
- Changing lanes or turning without using a turn signal
- Cutting off other drivers
- Following too closely
- Making rude gestures at other drivers
- Driving while impaired
Now, let’s look at the driver errors that most commonly lead to collisions in South Carolina:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe turns
- Distracted driving
- Proceeding without right of way
- Following too closely
- Careless passing
These same issues lead to the majority of fatal crashes in South Carolina. The most common causes of fatal crashes include speeding, impaired driving, and careless passing.
The majority of driver errors that lead to crashes are also considered forms of aggressive driving. Even if a driver is not intentionally putting others at risk, the choices they make behind the wheel may say otherwise. This is why it’s so important to identify aggressive driving, put distance between yourself and aggressive drivers, and report unsafe drivers to the police.
Hurt in a Car Crash? Call Peake & Fowler Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, it’s time to talk to the team at Peake & Fowler. Our Columbia car accident lawyers can help you explore your legal options. Just call us at 803-788-4370 or reach out online to schedule your consultation.
