If you frequently navigate I-90, I-75, I-80 or other highways in Ohio, you’re at risk for severe injuries. Many drivers are a menace to other travelers. These drivers are aggressive, and they are dangerous. There are various types of driver aggression, all of which increase the chance of collision. In fact, a large percentage of car accidents are later determined to be because of aggressive drivers.
Additional factors increase the level of danger on Ohio roads. For example, there are many construction sites, especially in high-traffic areas. Traffic flow often suddenly changes (slows) in these areas. If there’s an aggressive driver in the vicinity, this is a recipe for disaster. Another concerning factor is speed. There are numerous roads in Ohio where the posted speed limit is 65 or 70 miles per hour. Aggressive drivers often exceed posted speed limits, meaning you might be sharing the road with someone traveling 80 miles per hour or more.
Car accidents often occur when aggressive drivers do these things
You have no doubt heard the phrase “road rage” in conjunction with aggressive driving. If someone starts gesturing or screaming at you or trying to force you off the road, try to remain calm and place as much distance between your vehicle and theirs as you can. If needed, call the police. However, do not engage in a confrontation with another motorist. If you witness any of the behaviors shown in the following list, you’re sharing the road with an aggressive driver:
- A driver who keeps hitting the brakes or slowing down to try to deter tailgating
- Intentionally failing to yield a right-of-way
- Speeding
- Not stopping at stop signs or red lights
- Speeding up at yellow lights
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Horn honking, screaming or gesturing
These are signs of an aggressive driver, which can cause a collision resulting in severe injuries. For example, if someone is tailgating, and you must step on your brake because traffic in front of you has come to a halt, another vehicle may hit you from behind. If you have a child or other passenger in the backseat, they could suffer severe injuries.
Ways to escape an aggressive driver
If you can, it’s best to try to get away from aggressive drivers. To do so safely, you might be able to take the nearest exit. While this might create a detour from your planned travel route, it’s better to leave the road than risk severe injuries if a collision occurs. If there are no exits nearby, you can look for an opening and conduct a safe lane change.
If you can’t change lanes, maybe you can drop back in the line of traffic, so the aggressive driver moves past you. If you feel like you’re in danger, you can find a place to pull over and call the police, who can dispatch traffic officers to investigate the situation. When car accidents occur because of aggressive drivers, those who suffer severe injuries may seek restitution for damages by filing a legal claim in civil court.