Aggressive Driving

In 2003 in Maryland alone, acts of aggressive driving were the cause of 62 deaths accident related deaths, and a additional 2,739 people were injured. The highest concentration of such accidents is found in Baltimore City and Baltimore county, where 1360 of the 3900 aggressive driving accidents occurred. A study in 2003 found that 44% of Maryland drivers believed acts of aggressive driving presented the most danger on the roadways, even more so than drunk driving, which only 10% of Maryland drivers found to be the most dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as “when individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property”.

There are a few factors that lead to aggressive driving:

• A lack of responsible driving behavior
  Many drivers are not concerned about other motorists on the road, only thinking about themselves and the desire to get to their own destination. Drivers must learn they are a part of a whole and cooperate rather then compete with other drivers. Drivers must also learn acts of aggressive driving are not only illegal they are potentially deadly.
• Reduced levels of traffic enforcement
  If aggressive driving laws are not enforced, they will not be obeyed. This can often be a problem due to some police departments cutting back on the amount of police officers on the road because of budget cuts. Strong penalties must also be enforced to ensure these laws will be obeyed.
• Increasing amount of traffic on the roads
  More cars on the road means more traffic jams, a very frustrating circumstance, usually leading to tailgating or unsafe lane changes.
• A feeling that a driver’s territory has been invaded
  Humans are naturally territorial and they feel their space has been invaded their first reaction is to protect themselves. This can often be aggravated when a driver tries to assert dominance by chasing or blocking another vehicle.

A few signs of an aggressive driver:

• Exceeding the speed limit
• Tailgating
• Unsafe lane changes
• Passing another vehicle on the right
• Failure to obey road signs and traffic signals
• Failure to yield right of way
• Driving improperly on a laned road.
• Flashing their headlights
• Deliberately blocking other vehicles

Any three of those violations committed in close proximity of each other constitutes an aggressive driving charge in Maryland.

If you see what you suspect is an aggressive driver you should take these steps to avoid a car accident:

• Let them pass you or give them lots of room.
• If letting them pass is not an option continue driving at the speed limit and stay calm, until they are able to get around you.
• Don’t retaliate or challenge them. Avoid eye contact and do not offer offensive gestures. These actions will often escalate the threat of violence in the situation.
• Report aggressive drivers to the police. Doing so will ensure our roads are a little safer.