Every driver, at some point, has become angry while behind the wheel. Whether the person in front of you is going too slow, the person behind you is going too fast or someone near you is making erratic lane changes, the actions of other drivers can dramatically impact a mood. When these instances are combined with other factors – a driver is late to work, an individual is facing a messy break-up, a driver received some bad news just before getting into the car – emotions can quickly boil over. What happens, though, when a driver reacts aggressively and becomes a danger on the road?
While the concept of “road rage” might have become popularized in the 1990s, the idea of aggressive driving is as old as wheeled conveyances themselves. Expressing your emotions is one thing but allowing those emotions to turn into violent, physical actions is another thing entirely. The Zebra performs regular research and surveys to gauge how common incidents of road rage are on American streets. They have uncovered shocking statistics, including:
- From 2006 to 2015, the number of road rage-related fatal car accidents had increased from 80 to 467, a 500% increase in nine years.
- 5% of drivers have sideswiped another vehicle in anger.
- 5% of drivers have bumped or rammed another vehicle on purpose.
- 5% of drivers have intentionally forced another driver off the road.
- Since 2007, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has linked more than 12,500 injuries to driver violence, out of 10,000 car accidents.
Georgia drivers don’t realize how common road rage accidents are. Since nearly everyone has felt angry and frustrated behind the wheel, people seem to believe those feelings simply dissipate without escalating. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. As the statistics have shown, it is not uncommon for drivers to feel road rage and act out physically from behind the wheel.
If you were in an auto accident caused by an aggressive, reckless or enraged driver, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance. A personal injury attorney can provide the answers and representation you need.