The road is a dangerous place. But, when you share it with an aggressive driver, it becomes more perilous. Aggressive drivers are terrifying because you do not know what they will do next. You cannot be certain if they will cool down or escalate their already irresponsible behavior.
We should all do our part to prevent aggressive driving accidents. Understanding aggressive driving behavior and how it progresses will help with that.

Examples of Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Let’s detail some of the more common examples of aggressive driving in this section of the article.

Tailgating

Tailgating involves following another vehicle closely. You can make another driver uncomfortable by engaging in this behavior. According to a study conducted by the American Automobile Association’s Foundation for Traffic Safety, around 51% of drivers in the United States tailgate. Those drivers also said they tailgate intentionally.

This behavior is even more dangerous because it often prompts brake checking. When drivers are tailgating and brake checking constantly, aggressive driving accidents will inevitably occur.

Cutting Off Another Driver

Purposely cutting off another driver is another form of aggressive driving. Around 12% of drivers in the country have admitted to doing this. You may have experienced this while traveling around Bexar County. While cruising around town, a driver in a hurry may have cut you off so they can get ahead. Responding angrily to that behavior would be useless, so it would be best to refocus on driving.

Blocking Others from Changing Lanes

Cutting a fellow driver off to get ahead is one thing. When you start blocking someone from changing lanes, the obvious motivation behind that action is anger. You may be surprised to learn that 24% of drivers in the country say they engage in this behavior. It would be best to avoid developing that habit.

Hitting Another Vehicle on Purpose

Hitting another vehicle intentionally is arguably the most dangerous manifestation of aggressive driving. Drivers who engage in this behavior are actively endangering their fellow motorists. Furthermore, 3% of drivers in the US have admitted to doing exactly that. If someone hits your car intentionally while you are driving in San Antonio, make sure you get an auto accident lawyer on the phone as soon as possible.

What Are the Four Stages of Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving often progresses through four distinct stages. The first stage features the driver being annoyed or irritated over another driver’s behavior or something happening on the road. They may express their annoyance through non-threatening gestures or making frustrated noises.

Things will escalate if the source of the driver’s annoyance does not disappear. During this second stage, the driver may start honking loudly and flashing their lights. They may also start to block other vehicles and engage in tailgating. By the third stage, a confrontation is imminent. The driver is now more direct with their aggressive behavior, and they may start hurling insults at the object of their annoyance. At this point, the drivers may start yelling at each other, and a fight could break out.

It is rare for any road rage incident to reach the fourth stage simply because things have truly gotten out of hand at this point. Criminal acts are likely to be committed, and property damage is almost assured. Hopefully, you can de-escalate the incident before anyone ends up in the hospital. Contact a San Antonio car accident lawyer if you received injuries following a confrontation with an aggressive driver.

What Types of Accidents Are Caused by Aggressive Drivers?

We cannot afford to underestimate aggressive driving accidents. As you will see below, the accidents those drivers cause can be quite devastating.

  • Fatal Car Accidents – Aggressive driving can lead to the loss of life. That should not come as a surprise, given how inherently dangerous it is.
  • Head-On Collisions – While trying to block another driver, you may miss the car right in front of you. Shortly after, the other vehicle may hit you head-on.
  • Wrong Way Accidents – Overly aggressive drivers may veer into the wrong lanes accidentally. Ugly crashes could stem from that.
  • T-Bone Accidents – Hitting another car on purpose at an intersection can lead to an ugly outcome. The vehicle you hit may be hit from the side as other cars start to move.
  • Rollover Accidents – Speeding in tight traffic can also be a form of aggressive driving. If you accidentally contact something while speeding, your car could start rolling.
  • Rear End Accidents – Purposely hitting the car in front of you is rear-ending. It is a type of traffic violation, and you will be penalized for it.

San Antonio Auto Accident Attorney

Our San Antonio personal injury lawyers are fully committed to helping our clients claim their rightful financial awards. If an aggressive driver victimizes you, we will stop at nothing to ensure you receive compensation. Reach out to us today if you need legal assistance in the wake of your car accident.