April 24, 2023
Too often, a driver creates dangerous conditions on the road by operating their vehicle aggressively. Aggressive driving, also known as “road rage,” can lead to serious injury or even death. While not all accidents are completely avoidable, drivers should understand common behaviors of aggressive drivers and avoid escalating a road rage incident.
As a recent news article reported, an aggressive driving accident in Manchester, New Hampshire, left one person dead. The driver was traveling on I-293 South when she took an exit off-ramp at a high speed. Then, as the driver turned onto a street, she struck another car head-on. The driver’s fiancé, a passenger in the car, died at the scene. The driver was transported to the hospital for her injuries. According to a witness, the driver was operating her vehicle so aggressively that the witness had to swerve out of the driver’s way. According to local police, the driver had been arguing with her fiancé before the crash. She and her fiancé also smoked marijuana prior to the accident. Police arrested the driver, charging her with negligent homicide.
What Are Common Aggressive Driving Behaviors?An aggressive driver may act out their aggression in a few different ways. According to AAA, common examples of aggressive driving behaviors include speeding in heavy traffic, tailgating, running red lights, and driving irresponsibly when crossing lanes. Specifically, an aggressive driver may weave in and out of lanes, change lanes without a turn signal, block cars attempting to pass them or change lanes, or cut off another driver and then slow down. Finally, a driver may use headlights or brakes aggressively to send a message to other drivers. As the AAA’s examples make clear, aggressive driving involves dangerous behaviors that could lead to a serious accident.
What Should You Do When You Encounter an Aggressive Driver?
If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road, you can take several steps to minimize the potential damage. Most importantly, do not provoke the driver. When an aggressive driver targets you on the road, you may feel the urge to “fight back.” However, matching the driver’s aggression could further enrage the driver, leading to an even more aggressive and dangerous response. When faced with an aggressive driver, avoid eye contact or angry gestures, and remain in your vehicle at all times. From there, see if you can change lanes or pull over to avoid the aggressive driver. Try to create as much distance between yourself and the drivers as possible. Finally, if you feel unsafe, contact the police for assistance.
Have You Been Injured in a New Hampshire Aggressive Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a New Hampshire aggressive driving accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates to discuss your case. Our attorneys handle complex personal injury cases throughout New Hampshire, including car and truck accidents, bike and motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and several other practice areas. Through our skilled representation, we have secured significant compensation on behalf of our clients. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team, call our office at 800-804-2004 or reach out through our website.