We’ve all experienced aggressive drivers - those drivers that pass on the wrong side, follow too closely, or make dangerous lane changes because they are in such a hurry to get where they are going. These drivers have no regard for other drivers as they speed on their way. And, this behavior causes deadly Atlanta car accidents.
According to the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety, each year an average of 1,500 people are killed or injured because of aggressive driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated about 66 percent of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving behaviors.
In Georgia, a person commits the offense of aggressive driving when he or she operates any motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person while doing one or more of the following:
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle
- Violating traffic lane markings
- Following too closely
- Speeding by exceeding the posted limit or driving too fast for conditions;
- Improper or excessive lane changes
- Improper passing
- Improper slowing or stopping
- Impeding traffic flows
- Reckless driving
Aggressive driving is a criminal offense in Georgia, and conviction for aggressive driving is considered a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
Some factors linked to aggressive driving are:
- Traffic problems, crowded roads, traffic jams
- Being in a hurry
- Delays from road work
- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Dangerous driving attitudes
Aggressive drivers put everyone in danger. Aggressive driving behavior is not the fault of other drivers, but following traffic laws and being courteous can help prevent you from becoming the victim of an aggressive driver:
- Always merge with plenty of room.
- Never cut people off.
- When you are in the left lane, let others pass - even if you are going at the speed limit.
- Don’t use obscene gestures.
- Drive defensively.
If you become the victim of an aggressive driving accident in Georgia, you have rights. The aggressive driver’s insurance may be responsible for your medical costs and other losses. If you have lost a loved one to an aggressive driver, you may be able to claim wrongful death damages. To learn more, contact Atlanta accident attorney Shane Smith at (980) 246-2656
Learn more about the rights of Georgia car crash victims; download our free book, “10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case.”