Aggressive driving and road rage create dangerous conditions on highways and local roads throughout New Jersey, but that does not seem to stop those drivers. Speeding, tailgating, and hostile behavior behind the wheel often lead to car accidents that cause serious harm. These incidents not only endanger other drivers but also carry significant legal and financial consequences.
What Behaviors Are Considered Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving includes any intentional actions that disregard traffic laws or compromise the safety of others. Examples include speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and improper passing. Drivers who engage in these actions often display impatience or frustration, escalating ordinary traffic situations into dangerous encounters.
How Does Aggressive Driving Differ From Road Rage?
Whereas aggressive driving involves unsafe driving behaviors, road rage refers to an emotional outburst that leads to intentionally hostile or violent actions. Road rage may include yelling, obscene gestures, blocking another driver, or attempting to cause a crash.
What Are the Common Causes of Aggressive Driving in Cherry Hill?
Traffic congestion, running late, stress, and frustration trigger aggressive driving. Drivers who feel pressured by time or irritated by others’ mistakes may respond with hostility. Environmental factors like construction zones or long commutes can also increase agitation, raising the likelihood of risky behavior on the road.
What Types of Accidents Are Linked to Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving can lead to rear-end collisions, sideswipe crashes, and high-speed impacts, as well as other kinds of accidents. Excessive speed is one of the most dangerous behaviors, reducing reaction time and amplifying the force of impact. These collisions can involve multiple vehicles and cause serious personal injury.
Can Aggressive Driving Lead to Criminal Charges?
In New Jersey, aggressive driving behaviors such as reckless driving or road rage incidents can result in criminal charges. Depending on the severity of the incident, drivers may face fines, license suspension, or even jail time. Prosecutors may pursue charges such as assault with a vehicle or reckless endangerment if another person is injured or threatened.
How Can Drivers Protect Themselves From Aggressive Motorists?
We recommend remaining calm, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding eye contact with aggressive motorists. If another driver tailgates or shouts, it is safest to move aside and allow them to pass. Engaging or retaliating can quickly escalate the situation; reporting dangerous drivers to law enforcement can also help prevent further incidents.
What Legal Options Are Available to Those Injured by Aggressive Drivers?
Individuals injured by aggressive or reckless drivers may pursue compensation through personal injury claims. The compensation can include damages for medical bills, lost income, property repair, and emotional distress. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and video can help demonstrate liability and prove negligence.
Are There Warning Signs That Someone May Become an Aggressive Driver?
Yes. Frequent braking and lane changes, swerving, and driving faster than surrounding vehicles can signal growing aggression. Drivers who frequently honk, tailgate, or make hostile gestures may already be engaging in risky behaviors. When drivers recognize those signs, they should increase their distance.
Why Is Aggressive Driving a Growing Concern in New Jersey?
Increased congestion, high commuting stress, and distracted driving contribute to rising incidents of road rage and aggressive behavior. Additionally, urban and suburban traffic patterns in areas such as Cherry Hill and along major highways create conditions that often trigger frustration. These trends can contribute to higher incidences of aggressive driving and road rage crashes.
Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York Hold Liable Parties Accountable for Their Actions
If you were injured in an aggressive driving or road rage incident, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more, contact our Cherry Hill car accident lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York. Call 856-843-8990 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Cherry Hill, NJ, and Media, PA, and serve clients in the surrounding area.