How Is Aggressive Driving Different From Road Rage?
Imagine you are driving in heavy traffic. Chances are, you will see at least one unsafe driver. The driver that is weaving in and out of lanes and trying to speed down the interstate. Maybe they even drive on the shoulder to get around cars. What happens when that driver cuts off another car and almost causes an accident? The second driver honks and shouts obscenities out their window. In extreme cases, the second driver may try to engage the first car, even injuring the driver. You have just witnessed two unsafe drivers. One was engaging in aggressive driving and the other was expressing road rage. Here we will help you understand the difference between the two drivers and how their actions can overlap.
We hope you and your loved ones stay safe on the road. If you are injured in an accident that is not your fault, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at Anthem Injury Lawyers. We do not charge for initial consultations and will travel to you at home or in the hospital if necessary. We deal with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents and bus accidents all over Nevada, including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Reno, and all of Clark County. There are no fees until you have received your compensation. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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What Is Aggressive Driving?
The definition of aggressive driving may vary by state. AAA defines aggressive driving as:
- Any unsafe driving behavior, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety.
Examples of aggressive driving can include the following:
- Speeding in heavy traffic
- Tailgating
- Cutting in front of another driver and then slowing down
- Running red lights
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes
- Using headlights or brakes to “punish” other drivers
Aggressive Driving in Nevada
Nevada law prohibits aggressive driving. It is punishable as a misdemeanor. A person found guilty of aggressive driving may face jail time, have to pay fines, or have to attend traffic school. Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484B.650 defines acts constituting aggressive driving. It states the following:
- A driver commits an offense of aggressive driving if, during any single, continuous period of driving within the course of 1 mile, the driver does all the following, in any sequence:
- Commits one or more acts of speeding in violation of NRS 484B.363 or 484B.600.
- Commits two or more of the following acts, in any combination, or commits any of the following acts more than once:
- Failing to obey an official traffic-control device in violation of NRS 484B.300.
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle upon the right by driving off the paved portion of the highway in violation of NRS 484B.210.
- Improper or unsafe driving upon a highway that has marked lanes for traffic in violation of NRS 484B.223.
- Following another vehicle too closely in violation of NRS 484B.127.
- Failing to yield the right-of-way in violation of any provision of NRS 484B.250 to 484B.267, inclusive.
- Creates an immediate hazard, regardless of its duration, to another vehicle or to another person, whether or not the other person is riding in or upon the vehicle of the driver or any other vehicle.
If an aggressive driver injures you, seek medical help immediately. Once you receive proper medical treatment, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Our law office is in Henderson, Nevada. We work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Our car accident lawyers will take on the responsibilities of building your case, analyzing the facts and taking on insurance companies. We’ll put your best interests first so you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
How Do Drivers View Aggressive Driving?
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety focuses on understanding America’s traffic safety culture. Every year the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducts a nationally representative survey to produce the Traffic Safety Culture Index. This annual effort identifies and assesses indicators of American drivers’ values and pursuit of traffic safety. Its most recent release is the 2019 Traffic Safety Culture Index. Below are its survey results for Aggressive Driving Behaviors.
Aggressive Driving Behaviors Survey Results
- More than half of drivers (55.1 percent) indicate that speeding on a freeway is dangerous.
- About 64 percent of drivers perceive speeding on a residential street as dangerous.
- Over 65 percent of respondents think that the police would catch a driver for driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway. 48.2 percent report having done so in the past 30 days.
- Over 86 percent of drivers report speeding through a red light to be very or extremely dangerous.
- 52 percent of drivers think that the police would catch a driver for running a red light.
- Drivers who have been involved in one or more crashes in the past two years are more likely to engage in aggressive driving behavior.
Aggressive driving is extremely dangerous. It is even more dangerous because it can lead to road rage.
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What Is Road Rage?
In the opening example, the second driver was expressing road rage. The driver was not committing a traffic offense, but was shouting obscenities out of their window. It is not always easy to separate road rage from aggressive driving. Road rage can go hand-in-hand with aggressive driving. AAA provides the following examples of road rage:
- Cursing and rude or obscene gestures
- Throwing objects
- Ramming
- Sideswiping
- Forcing a driver off the road
Aggressive driving can increase the likelihood of road rage. This summer, a Las Vegas man was killed during a road rage incident. It was reported that one driver shot the other driver after being cut off while on the interstate.
If another driver injures you, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case, including car accident cases, and truck and bus accident cases in the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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Stay Safe and Avoid Aggressive Driving
Stay safe on the roads and never engage in aggressive driving.
Remember to always do the following:
- Drive the speed limit.
- Maintain adequate following distance.
- Use turn signals.
- Allow others to merge.
- Stop at red lights.
If you encounter an aggressive driver do the following:
- Remain calm.
- Never take aggressive driving personally.
- Do not engage.
- Try to keep a safe distance.
- Contact 911 when safe to do so.
If an aggressive driver injures you, contact an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Has an aggressive driver injured you or a loved one? If so, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can give you legal advice and help protect your rights. Our Las Vegas legal team understands that being an accident victim can be one of the most difficult things you will ever face. Some people may tell you that you don’t need a lawyer or a lawyer is too expensive. We only get paid when you win, so don’t hesitate to contact our Las Vegas area personal injury law firm. As you deal with injuries and wonder how to navigate the system, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced lawyer.
Our personal injury lawyers handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases including: car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bus accidents. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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