Aggressive drivers are one of the biggest problems on our roads. It is a real problem that causes thousands of injuries and deaths each year, and this is a serious consequence indeed. What makes it such a big problem, and why do so many people get behind the wheel of the vehicle while angry? Let’s explore this topic in the post below.
Road Rage: Do You Have It?
Road rage is a common term used to describe aggressive drivers. It is when a person responds inappropriately because they are not in control of their emotions while they are driving about. It is about extreme anger and heightened responses that lead to either an assault or an accident.
What Are the Consequences of Aggressive Driving?
There are many consequences that happen because of this type of driver. The most obvious, of course, is hurting someone or causing a death. It is good to dive deeper into understanding how anger affects someone’s ability to drive sensibly and safely first.
Impaired Decision Making
Being angry or enraged makes it incredibly difficult to make clear decisions. Everything you would usually consider as reasonable is out of the window and completely gone when you are seeing red. It doesn’t matter what made you feel this way; getting into your car and switching on the engine is so, so dangerous. You are not in your right mind, and you cannot think clearly. The only consequence of this is that you will end up hurting someone, whether it is intended or not. You might pick up your phone or have a drink, it doesn’t matter.
Lack of Control
You also won’t be able to control your driving style as well as you would with a clear head. Anger impacts everything and raises our stress levels so that we are heightened and chaotic. This lack of control may bring about a crash because you are not able to respond correctly to the needs of the road or the immediate environment. You may be too aggressive with your steering or not focus enough to make a turn signal — there are so many possible outcomes that it is impossible to list them all.
Impulsive Actions
People are also that much more impulsive when being driven by rage. Rage takes over the body and it clouds the mind and affects impulsivity in a very precise way. You will do something while under the influence of anger that you may never have even thought about doing in other circumstances, and that is because an entirely different set of hormones is leading the charge.
Reckless Endangerment
You may also be more likely to speed or have a drink behind the wheel. These two things are both illegal and can yield equally devastating consequences for anyone in your path. Reckless endangerment has a heavy toll, and you will be held accountable.
How to Proceed as a Victim of Aggressive Driving
If you or someone you love has been injured as a direct result of road rage, then these are clear ways to proceed. It is natural to feel resentment and confusion in the aftermath, and this can all be navigated with the help of our team.
Understanding What Happened
When you take a pause to get to know what actually happened, it can help you to feel better and more in control. Being at the whim of someone else’s emotions is never easy, but this is never more true than when these emotions cause a severe injury and impact your life in a distinct way. Read the accident report and come to terms with the events so that you can find the best way forward.
Ongoing Medical Input
You may need to keep going back and forth to medical appointments. These should all be documented in a clear record that you can refer back to if you decide to make a move toward compensation. Medical costs can rack up quickly, and you are well within your rights to feel frustrated by this and want someone to take responsibility for what they have caused. Your insurance will need to know what happened and why, and this is another area that we can help you with. There is a strong possibility that if a road rage driver has caused your accident, they have either done it before or will do it again. So, your injuries may be less severe than the next victim, and these are all relevant things to think about.
Gathering Evidence
Evidence can be anything from eyewitnesses to official incident reports and CCTV footage of the event. In the case of proving a driver was excessively angry, it will probably be a little more complex than a standard collision accident event. However, it is never insurmountable and there are always things you can do. Character witnesses and accounts of previous behavior are both relevant here, and our team will help you find them. Evidence is essential to prove accountability and you will need it if you opt for compensation, or even for insurance purposes.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Albert Are Here to Help You
Mark S. Albert and Co are a team of experts ready to fight your case. Aggressive drivers should never be left to their own devices, and they must be held up in the eyes of the law for everything that they do. It is not safe for people to be driving about while clouded by such rage, and you can help put a stop to it by reaching out and making an example of them.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us when you feel ready. There is a time limit on making a claim, but we can talk you through all the details. Find our contact details below and find peace in the fact that we will answer any query and talk through any problem with expertise and nurture at the core of the discussion.
You can find us at any of the following addresses:
- Astoria – 32-72 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103
- Brooklyn – 7113 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Syosset – 175 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, NY 11791
Call now for a free consultation on (347) 472-5080.