The streets and roadways of Tampa Bay can be extremely dangerous; this is only compounded when someone is a victim of aggressive driving or road rage. It is important to start out stating that while both are dangerous, aggressive driving and road rage are not the same thing. Aggressive driving can include such dangerous actions as tailgating, illegal passing, and weaving in and out of lanes. Road rage is an illegal violent act where there is intent to cause physical harm.
Driving can be stressful, especially during the high traffic time of the rush hour commute. The modern world creates demands on our lives that can cause people to feel overwhelmed and extremely rushed. According to AAA “…many drivers admitted having let their anger and frustration get the best of them at least once in the past year, engaging in behaviors such as yelling, honking, gesturing at, or purposefully tailgating another driver.” These actions are dangerous for many reasons:
First, these actions could cause a dangerous motor vehicle crash that could have dire consequences such as serious injury, property damage, or even death.
Second, you never know how another driver may respond to what is perceived as aggressive driving behavior. According to a 2016 AAA Foundation study, “…nearly 8 million drivers had gotten out of their car to confront another driver or even bumped or rammed another car on purpose.”
These numbers are very worrisome. Aggressive driving can easily escalate to road rage. Road rage is extremely concerning behavior. Intending to cause harm to another is criminal. A motorist that engages in road rage is subject not only to a litany of criminal punishments (including fines, probation and jail time), but in addition they may be jeopardizing their car insurance coverage. Generally in Florida a car insurance company does not provide insurance coverage to their insured if the insured causes damages as a result of an intentional act.
Further, aggressive driving is a concern for the overwhelming majority of drivers in the United States. Again, according to a AAA Foundation study, “…nearly 9 in 10 respondents said they believed aggressive drivers were a “somewhat” or “very serious” threat to their personal safety.”
Aggressive driving should be absolutely avoided.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of aggressive driving or road rage, please contact the experienced trial attorneys at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC for a free consultation.