Drivers of various skill levels and experience fill the roadways in California and across the country. You have undoubtedly seen your fair share of interesting maneuvers from other drivers while traveling yourself. While you may shake your head at someone who does something incorrectly but ultimately harmless, you may feel unsafe around drivers who act aggressively.
Unfortunately, many travelers carry out aggressive actions while behind the wheel, and some may not even realize that what they do is aggressive or even reckless. Some people get into the bad habit of speeding or not using a turn signal, but these actions and others could have devastating results.
Aggressive driving can lead to crashes
While you may do your best to drive safely, you know that you face serious risk of harm any time you hit the road. You cannot control the way other drivers behave, and it is very possible for someone to drive in a manner that causes a serious car accident. Some aggressive driving behaviors that could put you and other travelers at risk include the following:
- Speeding
- Not using a turn signal when turning, changing lanes or merging
- Tailgating slower-moving vehicles
- Excessively honking the horn and putting other drivers on edge
- Not yielding the right-of-way
- Blocking another driver from changing lanes or merging
- Weaving in and out of traffic, especially at high rates of speed and without signaling
Driving aggressively and recklessly can cause collisions that have devastating results. Speeding, not obeying traffic signals, not yielding the right-of-way and other dangerous actions are common causes of fatal accidents. Of course, many drivers may only have the idea of getting to their destination as quickly as possible on their mind, and as a result, they may not think twice about putting themselves and others in harm’s way.
What this means for you
Though doing your part to drive safely can certainly reduce your risk of having an accident, it does not entirely prevent you from ever having a collision. Multi-car accidents can involve one reckless, aggressive, distracted or negligent driver and another driver who drove safely. As a result, innocent individuals can suffer the negative effects of a crash caused by another person. If you suffer serious injuries in a crash or lose a loved one due to an aggressive driver, exploring your legal options for seeking compensation is wise.