Houston traffic is tough. Road rage has been rampant recently. According to a 2021 article, Houston drivers spend the third most time in traffic compared to other major national cities at 49 hours per year. Sitting in stopped traffic due to an accident, road closure or any of the constant construction can make the most patient people angry. It is no surprise that everyone has encountered aggressive drivers at some point in Houston.
What is Aggressive Driving
The definition of aggressive driving is “The operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.”
This can include several things from tailgating to rude gestures or yelling angry remarks. Not all aggressive driving leads to accidents or injuries but, at its worst, it can lead to serious violence and even death. Here are some examples of aggressive driving:
- Extreme speeding
- Improper turns
- Tailgating drivers
- Cutting off drivers
- Improper passing
- Weaving through traffic, with or without signals
- Failing to yield right-of-way
- Attempting to run other drivers off the road
- Intentionally ramming another car
- Getting out of a car to confront other drivers/passengers
- Threatening or engaging in violence
What causes aggressive driving?
- Traffic delays
- Overcrowded roadways
- Stress due to running late or even non driving-related stress
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Lowered speed limit at construction zones or school zones
- The perception of poor drivers on the road
Common injuries caused by aggressive driving
In car accidents, the parts of your body most affected depend on how bad it is. In more severe injuries, whiplash and chest pain are common ailments for drivers but passengers will also be prone to injury depending where they’re seated. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that drivers of a vehicle are more likely to sustain injuries in an accident caused by aggressive driving than passengers. For example, while whiplash is common for both parties, it’s most severe on the driver due to their position at eye level with pedestrians and other vehicles during driving maneuvers. Injuries like chest pain or difficulty breathing may indicate broken ribs which could cause serious complications over time if not treated properly within hours after injury occurs. Always remember to buckle up!
Safe ways to deal with aggressive drivers
Leave early and avoid stress: When you are in a hurry and traffic is backed up you are likely stressed out. Any little thing can turn your stress into anger. Giving yourself plenty of time to travel can help avoid this undue stress can keep you calm and cool on the roads.
Adjust your attitude: Don’t take aggressive driving personally. Driving is not a contest or a race. There is no “winning”. Don’t let aggressive drivers get under your skin. Take a deep breath, let them pass and move on with your day. It is not worth getting into a confrontation.
Avoid eye contact: If you ignore the road rage behavior sometimes the drivers will just move along and leave you alone.
Get out of their way: If possible, moving out of the lane and letting an aggressive driver pass can help you avoid an accident and injury.
Call 911 if you feel physically threatened: Reporting the driver can possibly prevent an accident for your or a future driver that the road rager might encounter later.
Call The Texas Bulldog if you have been injured by an Aggressive Driver
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to an aggressive driver, call The Texas Bulldog today at 713-572-3333. There is generally a 2 year statute of limitations in the State of Texas so it is important to contact a personal injury attorney right away after any accident or injury. Contact us now for a free consultation. You never pay anything unless Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog wins your case.
