How Road Rage Affects Driving and Can Cause Accidents

You have definitely heard the term “road rage” at some point in your lifetime. You may have even felt you were guilty of road rage at one time or another.

The truth is that you were most likely driving aggressively, which is just one step behind road rage. The latter can be considered a traffic violation or even a criminal offense in Pennsylvania, and it is often the result of aggressive driving behavior that turns into an assault with a vehicle or other dangerous weapon.

Both road rage and aggressive driving can result in automobile accidents on the road. In turn, this can lead to serious injury or even death.

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage Explained

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving is when you operate your vehicle in a way that endangers persons and/or property. It is a traffic violation and includes some of the following actions:

• Brake checking
• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Cutting off other motorists
• Weaving in and out of traffic

Aggressive driving often leads to road rage, which can mean a different set of actions. Those guilty of road rage may hit another motorist’s car with their own vehicle or even run them off the road. Bad cases of road rage might include the driver pulling over and getting out of the car to engage in a physical confrontation. Some might even use a weapon to inflict harm on another driver or vehicle.

Both aggressive driving and road rage can result in automobile accidents. Speeding makes it more difficult to come to a stop in the event of an emergency. Brake checking other motorists could result in getting rear ended. Tailgating a vehicle can result in a similar collision.

These types of accidents are aggressive and can result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident because of another motorist’s aggressive driving or road rage, you should contact a lawyer.

Personal Injury Lawyers Help Car Accident Victims in Erie, PA

If you live in Pennsylvania, look no further than the law firm of Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. for help. Our experienced car accident lawyers can help with your claim. We represent accident victims throughout PA, including North East, Erie, and Meadville.

Just fill out the online form or call (814) 273-2010 to begin discussing your case with an experienced lawyer today.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.