Is road rage the same as aggressive driving?

No, road rage and aggressive driving are not the same. However, both of these behaviors are dangerous to everyone on the road.

Aggressive Driving

When you’re playing competitive basketball, pitching a new product idea, or fending off an angry honey badger, it’s good to be aggressive. When you’re driving, not so much. Any dangerous driving behavior, done deliberately and with a disregard for safety, may constitute aggressive driving.

Common examples of aggressive driving include:

  • Tailgating.
  • Running stop lights or stop signs.
  • Speeding, or weaving in and out of heavy traffic.
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way.
  • Passing illegally.
  • Driving on the shoulder.
  • Following too closely.
  • Cutting off other drivers.
  • Failing to use turn signals

Road Rage

Road rage is motivated by anger. When a road rage incident occurs, it is often because the individual engaging in this behavior is under stress in other areas of his life. The addition of congested traffic or aggressive driving on the part of other motorists only adds to this stress. This sometimes results in an explosion of anger that leads to serious legal consequences, physical harm, or even death.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, road rage incidents resulted in 218 murders and 12,610 injuries over a seven-year period. Road rage often manifests itself in the form of verbal insults, rude gestures, long horn honks, swerving, tailgating, and other dangerous driving behavior. Some of the conditions which may result in road rage include:

  • Arguments with friends or family.
  • Scolding children in the vehicle while driving.
  • Being fired or getting into trouble at work.
  • The aggressive behavior of another driver.

Hurt by Aggressive Driving or Road Rage

Aggressive drivers, and drivers who succumb to the temptation of road rage, aren’t merely an annoyance. Their reckless and irresponsible behavior endangers everyone else on the road. If you’ve been hurt by an aggressive driver or injured in a road rage incident, you need professional representation by an experienced vehicle accident attorney. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

Free Case Review

Fill Out The Form, It’s quick, easy and FREE. Simply tell us how to get in touch with you.













    Initial consultation is always FREE Call Us 713-CALL-LEE or CONTACT US HERE