Protecting Yourself from Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive drivers cause car accidents all the time in Fort Walton Beach. How can you protect yourself?

While we can offer no guarantees, Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers have reviewed the circumstances leading up to many accidents in great detail, so we have seen the havoc wreaked by aggressive drivers and we know that a few different actions or reactions could have changed the outcome in many situations.

Recognizing Aggressive Driving

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving involves operating a vehicle in a way that either puts people and property in danger or is likely to create such danger. That’s a pretty broad definition that would also seem to apply to practices such as distracted or even drunk driving.

However, considering some examples of aggressive driving make it easier to spot aggressive drivers on the road. Fort Walton Beach car aggressive driving accident lawyers have seen aggressive driving patterns of behavior that include:

• Following the vehicle ahead too closely (tailgating)
• Weaving through traffic
• Driving at excessive speed
• Running stoplights or stop signs
• Trying to prevent another vehicle from changing lanes

While aggressive driving is often associated with violent outbursts of road rage, a driver can be just as dangerous behind the wheel without typical road rage behaviors such as honking the horn, shouting obscenities, or confronting other drivers.

General Driving Practices to Reduce the Risk

Speed is one hallmark of an aggressive driver, and while these drivers will change lanes often, they are often most aggressive in the left lane. Therefore, staying out of the left lane as much as possible is one driving practice that can keep you out of the path of aggressive drivers.

Allowing ample room in front of your vehicle at all times is another practice that can reduce the risk of getting in a collision caused by an aggressive driver. Extra space gives you added time to maneuver away from problems. It also keeps you from being perceived by the driver ahead of you as aggressive, which could make them nervous or irritated.

What to Do if Threatened by the Actions of an Aggressive Driver

If an aggressive driver is tailgating or engaging in other dangerous tactics, Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers offer a few tips to keep in mind:

• Try to keep calm. Take deep breaths. Aggressive drivers may try to force you to speed up to suit their agenda, but you are not required to play their game.
• Avoid eye contact. An aggressive driver could take it as a challenge.
• Continue driving reasonably. If the situation does not soon improve, try to exit or make a turn to get away from the aggressive driver.
• Don’t take the bait. Many aggressive drivers actually enjoy the conflict or feel justified in behaving badly if others respond in anger. Ignore angry gestures and do not give them what they want.

In addition, make mental notes of information about the aggressive driver’s vehicle. If someone else is in the car with you, have them take photos or notes. Consider reporting the action to the police. If the aggressive driver causes you or others to suffer injuries in a crash, that information could prove very valuable, particularly if the driver leaves the scene.

Our Fort Walton Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyers Help You Recover Compensation

Aggressive drivers deserve to be held responsible for accidents and other consequences of their irresponsible behavior on the road. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident caused by someone’s reckless or irresponsible actions, you owe it to yourself to talk to knowledgeable Fort Walton Beach aggressive driving accident lawyers to find out how to file a claim for relief. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.  We also help auto accident victims in Pensacola and Tallahassee