What Are the Different Types of Aggressive Driving?

October 3, 2023

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aggressive driving is a factor in 56 percent of fatal car accidents. Aggressive driving is defined as traffic offenses that endanger lives and property.

The following examples are common types of aggressive driving:

• Speeding: This is the cause of one out of every three accidents.
• Erratic driving: Drivers who weave in and out of traffic, cut off other drivers, run red lights, and fail to use their signals are exhibiting aggressive behavior behaviors.
• Confrontation: Aggressive drivers might initiate conflicts or get angry when others yell at them or make gestures. This is dangerous because it can escalate into road rage.

Other acts of aggressive driving include hitting the brakes to annoy another driver, blocking vehicles attempting lane changes, flashing high beams, and slamming on the horn.

What Should I Do if I Encounter an Aggressive Driver?

Aggressive drivers can be dangerous, and you should not provoke them. It is normal to get angry when encountering one because the behavior is offensive and dangerous. Reacting the wrong way could lead to a severe accident or worse.

You might be in a situation where you cannot avoid an aggressive driver. Take a deep breath and refrain from engaging with them. Do not look the driver in the eye because that can escalate things. Keep your hands on the wheel, decrease your speed, and move out of your way. Should they seem like a threat to anyone’s safety, call 911 hands-free or have a passenger in your car do it.

Aggressive Driving Law in Delaware

The Delaware General Assembly passed an aggressive driving law in 1999. A driver who commits three traffic offenses within a certain category in one incident could be fined and face jail time.

These offenders may also complete an attitudinal driving course or behavior modification class, and subsequent offenders can also face a license suspension. If a driver breaks that law, your lawyer might be able to use that information to support your case.

Our Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Safe Driving

Aggressive drivers can cause severe and fatal accidents, and those impacted by their actions can face long-term injuries and losses. At Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A., our skilled Wilmington car accident lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.