Aggressive And Reckless Driving Accidents
Traffic accidents involving cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians occur far too often across our state. Although there are many reasons why motor vehicle accidents take place, crashes often occur due to aggressive and reckless driving. Unfortunately, many drivers are only thinking about themselves and not thinking about the consequences of their dangerous actions behind the wheel. As a result, serious car accidents take place that result in major catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.
In order to reduce these types of accidents and needless injuries, all drivers must understand what is considered to be aggressive and reckless driving. In this article, we will define aggressive driving and reckless driving and explain how you can help spread the word to reduce these types of crashes on our roads.
Injured in a serious automobile accident? Call our experienced Fairfax reckless driving lawyers at Shevlin Smith at 703-634-7350 to discuss your case today.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
Although aggressive driving is often thought of as speeding, it is actually more than that. When drivers behave aggressively at the wheel, they do more than speed. They actually are behaving in a hostile and unsafe manner. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines a driver to be aggressive when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.”
Some aggressive driving traffic offenses can include:
- Tailgating
- Driving outside of the marked lanes
- Speeding
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Improper passing
- Ignoring traffic signs and lights
- Failing to yield
- Failing to use signals
When a driver uses a combination of these behaviors and is trying to use his or her vehicle to harm others out of frustration, it is considered aggressive driving.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving may have different definitions depending on the state you are driving in, but Virginia defines reckless driving as driving over 80 miles per hour and speeding 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, reckless driving can also include:
- Racing
- Passing a school bus
- Overtaking an emergency vehicle
- Passing on the crest of a hill
- Passing at a railroad crossing
- Passing two vehicles abreast
- Driving two vehicles abreast
- Driving too fast for conditions
Help Reduce Reckless And Aggressive Driving Accidents
Although traffic congestion and bad drivers are huge reasons why some drivers get frustrated and act aggressively and recklessly on the road, it is never acceptable. When drivers are behaving recklessly or aggressively at the wheel, they are more likely to cause a crash. In order to reduce traffic accidents caused by aggressive and reckless driving, we urge you to drive safely and share this article with those you know and love on your favorite social media site to remind drivers just how dangerous it is to drive in this manner.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a reckless or aggressive driver, you may be entitled to compensation for related damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain
- Suffering
- More
Our Fairfax reckless driving accident attorneys can help you understand your options and devise a plan of action tailored to your unique situation and goals.
Millions Of Dollars Recovered For Our Clients
Schedule your free, initial consultation with a Fairfax Reckless driving attorney today – call 703-634-7350 to get started.