Common Types of Aggressive Driving
Speeding and aggressive driving is not only a violation of Denver traffic laws, it may also be a crime in some situations. Although aggressive driving rears its ugly head in a number of different ways, some of the most common include:
- Excessive speeding
- Changing lanes abruptly, passing improperly
- Failing to use turn signals for lane changes
- Driving on shoulders and sidewalks
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield
- Running red lights
- Street racing
This behavior is dangerous because it gives other drivers little or no time to react to the traffic around them.
Find Out How Much Your Case in Worth
Call us for a FREE consultation. No Fee Unless We Get You Money.
What is Road Rage?
The term “road rage” is commonly used to describe a wide variety of dangerous and aggressive behavior behind the wheel. It is typically directed at others on the road, either to intimidate them or as a way of releasing frustration.
Common examples include:
- Verbal insults and abuse
- Rude gestures
- Physical threats
- Throwing objects
- Flashing weapons
- Sideswiping, rear-ending or ramming cars
- Forcing vehicles off the road
This kind of behavior is dangerous for a number of reasons. It takes drivers’ attention away from the traffic ahead, increasing the risk of a crash. Our Denver aggressive driving accident lawyer is well aware of the fact that road rage can also quickly escalate, leading to purposeful collisions or physical altercations.
How Common is Road Rage and Aggressive Driving?
The risk of aggressive driving and road rage is a regular part of life in traffic, whether you are commuting to work or shuttling kids to a sleepover.
A stunning 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the last 30 days, according to a study from the American Automobile Association.
Some aggressive behavior is more common than others. The AAA study found that drivers engaged in these aggressive driving tactics most frequently in the last 30 days:
- Driving 15 miles per hour or more over the speed limit (48%)
- Following vehicles too closely to prevent others from merging (34%)
- Honking, making rude gestures at other drivers (32%)
- Running a red light (31%)
- Merging into traffic even when another driver tries to close the gap between vehicles (28%)
- Switching lanes quickly or very close behind another car (26%)
- Speeding up when another car tries to overtake (25%)
- Passing in front of another vehicle at less than car length (22%)
How to Prevent Aggressive Driving
It is impossible to anticipate what might set another driver off or to control his or her behavior behind the wheel. However, there are certain steps that you can take to help reduce road rage and aggressive driving.
It starts with managing your own driving behavior. Do not respond personally if you observe others driving erratically, violating traffic laws or otherwise being inconsiderate on the road. Responding in kind only exacerbates the situation and increases the risk of a crash.
Instead, focusing on following the rules of the road. That means maintaining appropriate speeds and following distances, using turn signals and allowing others to merge when needed. Lay off the horn and the high beam lights unless you actually need them to alert others to your presence or navigate after dark.
How to Respond to Road Rage
The key to dealing with aggressive driving and road rage is to avoid escalating the situation.
Do not make eye contact and do not respond in kind with rude gestures or aggressive driving. Rather, maintain your space and reduce your speed so that the driver may move on. If you are feeling significantly threatened, call 911 or drive to a public space like a police or fire station.
If you are stopped or parked, make sure that your doors are locked.
Money Damages for Aggressive Driving Accidents in Colorado
Anyone injured in a car accident in Colorado can seek compensation for their injuries when working with a Denver aggressive driving accident attorney. Accident damages may include:
- Doctors’ bills
- Missed wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Car and other property damage
- Other, non-medical expenses
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Scarring, disfigurement, physical impairment
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Punitive damages
Punitive damages are specifically designed to punish especially harmful behavior, such as aggressive driving that causes serious accidents. There are caps on the amount of noneconomic and punitive damages that a person can recover, which vary based on the specific type of claim.
In the tragic event that a person is killed in an accident, his or her loved ones can seek similar compensation. Money damages in wrongful death cases include compensation for medical and funeral expenses, as well as the loss of the person’s financial, familial, and emotional support and guidance.
How a Denver Aggressive Driving Accident Attorney Can Help
If you have been injured in a car accident in Colorado, you are not alone. The Denver personal injury lawyers at Levine Law are ready to assist.
State law gives you three years from the time of the crash to file a claim for money damages. The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer, the better. A Denver aggressive driving accident lawyer at our firm will gather the necessary evidence, including from the scene of the crash, while it is still available and begin negotiating a potential settlement with insurers.
Our firm is pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver aggressive driving accident attorney.
