Aggressive driving is often referred to as road rage, and this dangerous behavior can manifest in a variety of ways. It’s important to understand what your legal options are if you’ve been the victim of road rage that caused an accident.

There are complex and harmful layers involved in a road rage incident, and the car accident attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC understand how the fear and trauma of the events leading up to the crash affect accident victims.

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING BEHAVIORS

Road rage is more than just fuming quietly in the driver’s seat or ranting to yourself about the traffic; it is dangerous, aggressive behavior that puts other motorists, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk. The following behaviors could be classified as aggressive driving in Connecticut:

  • Tailgating or following too closely
  • Passing illegally
  • Cutting people off
  • Changing lanes erratically
  • Brake checking
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Driving on the sidewalk or median
  • Running red lights and stop signs
  • Speeding
  • Blocking other cars or the flow of traffic

This list is not exhaustive, as aggressive behaviors on the road can lead to a wide range of dangerous driving choices.

HOW TO HANDLE DRIVERS WHO ROAD RAGE

It is common for drivers to want to match an aggressive driver’s energy. Many people’s defensive instinct when faced with aggression is to become aggressive themselves, but this is not the best way to handle someone with road rage. It’s not always possible to avoid an aggressive driver, but the best course of action is often to try to maintain a safe distance from them and not pass them unless you have to. Avoiding eye contact is also a commonly recommended strategy when you find yourself the target of a road-raging driver.

CONTACT AN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR GUIDANCE

Sometimes, even your best efforts cannot prevent an aggressive driver from causing an accident. If you’ve been injured in a road rage accident, our attorneys can help you ensure the aggressive driver is held accountable for their reckless behavior. Contact D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC to schedule a free consultation.