At Martinez & Schill, LLP, our car accident attorneys in Riverside know that not all California drivers are concerned with being courteous to the other motorists sharing our roadways.
Whether drivers are running late for a meeting, having a difficult day, or simply too absorbed by their day-to-day personal and professional lives to caring how their behavior affects others, once they get behind the wheel, aggressive driving often results.
As parents, our personal injury attorneys know that there is nothing more important than keeping our families safe while traveling to and from our destinations. Unfortunately, that often means navigating our roadways alongside aggressive drivers.
Here are a few tips for identifying potentially aggressive drivers, and ways to avoid them, so you and your family can get to where you are going safely.
What is Considered Aggressive Driving in California?
When most people think about aggression behind the wheel, road rage often comes to mind.
The reality is, aggressive driving can come in many dangerous forms, including:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Illegal passing
- Excessive lane changing
- Failing to use turn signals
- Failing to obey safety zones
- Purposely cutting off other drivers
- Flashing headlights or high beams
- Brake checking following motorists
- Disregarding traffic signs and signals
- Blocking other vehicles from passing or changing lanes
- Driving on the sidewalk, shoulder, or median of the road
- Failing to yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vehicles
- Honking, making angry gestures, yelling at other motorists
Our skilled personal injury lawyers in Riverside know there is truly little motorists can do to control how other drivers operate their vehicles. The one thing we all can control is how we respond to their reckless behavior.
How to Avoid Aggressive Drivers in California
There is no doubt that nearly everyone who has operated a vehicle in California has interacted with an aggressive driver at some point. Whether it was a driver speeding by you to change lanes, or someone making an illegal turn in front of you, thoughts immediately race to the fact that he or she could have caused a serious accident.
When your kids or other family members are inside the vehicle with you, it can be an increasingly scary scenario.
If another driver acts aggressively, there are a few ways to avoid their behavior, so everyone in your vehicle remains safe.
Here is how:
- Stay away from the aggressive driver by safely changing lanes or gradually slowing down to keep a safe distance from their behavior.
- Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver to prevent any acknowledgment of their behavior.
- Do not reciprocate by responding to the other driver’s behavior, as it could cause their behavior to escalate.
- Do not stop, even if the aggressive driver attempts to confront you. This could be incredibly dangerous.
If you are traveling with your family, they may recognize the aggressive behavior too, so it is important to diffuse the situation by giving the other driver the benefit of the doubt.
Aggressive drivers can be annoyed by other drivers they encountered before you, or simply be upset by personal issues they are taking out on others, so their behavior should not be taken personally. Stay relaxed and remember that reaching your destination safely and calmly is the most important result.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in San Diego at Martinez & Schill, LLP for a Free Case Evaluation
While avoiding aggressive drivers is a good start, it is not uncommon that reckless behavior can lead to serious traffic collisions throughout California. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by negligence, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys in Riverside at Martinez & Schill, LLP to discuss how our lawyers seek real solutions that produce optimal results for our clients today by calling 951-200-4630 to schedule a free case assessment.