There are individuals who operate their vehicles aggressively on the roadway. There are also times when acts of road rage occur. Even though aggressive driving and road rage may seem similar, they do have differences, particularly when it comes to intent. In this article, we want to discuss the difference between road rage and aggressive driving in Pennsylvania.
What Constitutes Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving can be slightly difficult to define because there are no specific laws dedicated to tackling “aggressive” actions on the roadway. Rather, aggressive driving is a range of actions that could occur that are typically covered by other laws. Some of the most common types of behaviors that could be considered aggressive driving include:
- Improper lane change
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Following too closely
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Running stop signs or stop lights
- Flashing high beams needlessly
- Reckless driving (various types of negligence)
What perhaps would make more sense when defining aggressive driving is looking at the behavior of specific drivers. If there are drivers who have a history of repeatedly violating traffic laws or those whose behaviors have led to crashes that result in significant injuries or death, they may be considered aggressive drivers.
Tackling aggressive driving revolves around enforcing traffic laws. The penalties for most offenses that would be considered reckless driving are typically minor unless the aggressive driving in question leads to an injury or death. Speak to a Philadelphia injury lawyer to learn more. Additionally, repeat offenders of certain offenses could face additional enhanced penalties, increased points against a driver’s license, license suspension or revocation, or even jail time.
Understanding Road Rage
While road rage would certainly be considered aggressive driving, it typically goes much further than that. Road rage is characterized by angry or aggressive behavior exhibited by motorists, and this certainly crosses into the level of intentional behavior.
Some of the most common types of road rage behaviors include drivers using rude gestures or verbal insults, yelling at other drivers, physical threats from one driver to another, or dangerous driving methods targeted toward other drivers or pedestrians. Road rage could occur as a way for others to release frustration or to intimidate others on the roadway.
Unfortunately, road rage activity can lead to property damage, verbal altercations, physical assaults, or collisions that lead to property damage, injuries, and even death.
How to Avoid Road Rage
If you are on the roadway and witness aggressive driving behaviors from other drivers around you, the best steps you can take to avoid an altercation or a collision is to practice defensive driving and get yourself away from the volatile situation.
If you are on the roadway and think that another driver is operating too aggressively, or if you witnessed the driver becoming angry with you or anyone around you, you should back your car away from the driver operating aggressively. If you notice that you are being continually harassed by a specific driver on the roadway, you should pull your vehicle into a well-lit and crowded area and dial 911. Let the police officers know what is happening and ask for assistance. Under no circumstances should you get out and confront any other driver if they follow you into a parking lot or any other area.
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident as a result of road rage or aggressive driving, please speak to our skilled accident lawyers in Philadelphia today.