Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, many of us are guilty of occasionally driving aggressively. According to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 80% of drivers felt anger, aggression, or road rage in the past year. Understandably, tensions can rise while navigating the roadways. However, when frustration levels rising leads to speeding, tailgating, lane-weaving, and cutting off other drivers, it significantly increases the risk of being in a car accident as many drivers don’t realize how their anger is causing them to drive unsafely. Being injured in a New Jersey car accident can be a life-altering experience that can result in severe physical, emotional, and financial burdens for the victim. As such, if you’re the victim of a road rage car accident, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Morris County Car Accident Attorney who can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Please continue reading to learn how road rage incidents can lead to car accidents in New Jersey.
What is Road Rage?
Road rage is the uncontrolled anger provoked by another motorist’s irritating act and expressed in aggressive or reckless driving. Essentially, it’s aggressive or angry behavior that is exhibited by motorists. These behaviors can include physical threats or verbal forms of intimidation. If a motorist operates a vehicle in a manner that endangers other people or property, it’s considered rouge rage. Aggressive behaviors that are classified as road rage include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Lane-weaving
- Blocking or cutting off other drivers
- Repeated honking or flashing high beams
- Passing where prohibited
- Intentionally bumping or hitting another vehicle
- Exiting the vehicle to start a confrontation
- Disobeying traffic signals or signs
- Failing to use turn signals
- Shouting, cursing, or expressing obscene remarks
How Can It Cause Car Accidents in New Jersey?
While you may manage to avoid driving aggressively, it’s extremely likely that you will encounter other drivers who show signs of road rage. When frustration levels rise behind the wheel, drivers tend to engage in impulsive and unsafe driving behaviors. Mang drivers use verbal expressions such as yelling or cursing to let their anger be known to other drivers. However, this verbal expression can lead to distracted driving. Repeated honking and flashing high beams can also lead to distracted driving, which can increase the risk of an accident as the motorists are not paying attention to the road. In addition, those who resort to tailgating, meaning they follow the driver in front of them too closely, also increase their chances of an accident. This is because they minimize their reaction time.
If you’ve been injured in a road rage incident, you deserve compensation to cover the costs of your economic and non-economic damages. At Lutz Injury Law, you can rest assured that we will work tirelessly to help you recover the just compensation you deserve and need to get your life back on track. Contact us today to discuss your case.