Nashville Automobile Accident Attorney Explains The Difference Between Road Rage And Aggressive Driving
Report Road Rage
In my Blog “The Tennessee auto Accident Attorney” I wrote about aggressive driving. Many people misunderstand the difference between aggressive driving and what has become known as “Road Rage”. Most experienced Tennessee Car accident lawyers think of aggressive driving as certain driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, or violating traffic control devices,
Road rage, on the other hand, is a criminal offense. Road rage occurs when a traffic incident escalates into a far more serious situation. For example, a person may become so angry over an aggressive driving incident that he or she overreacts and retaliates with some type of violence. These violent acts may range from a physical confrontation to an assault with a motor vehicle or possibly a weapon. Often, the roadway incident that caused the person to become enraged may have been something quite simple and even trivial.
Some incidents, by their very nature, are intentional acts, such as when a motorist switches from lane to lane in an effort to go around other vehicles. But others may have been committed unintentionally, such as when a motorist makes an abrupt exit from a roadway without properly signaling his or her intent. Many road rage incidents have resulted from drivers overreacting and allowing their egos to stand in the way of common sense and good judgment rather than safely reporting aggressive driving incidents. A simple display of common courtesy will often be appreciated and may even become contagious.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines road rage as “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway. Road rage requires willful disregard for the safety of others.
Aggressive driving has emerged as a real threat to the safety of Tennessee motorists. That’s why the Tennessee Highway Patrol takes a hard stance against any motorist who demonstrates aggressive, dangerous activities while driving in our state.
The public also plays a role in making roadways safer. If you’re a witness to, or victim of road rage or any other form of aggressive driving, report it by dialing *847. Never retaliate or react in a manner that causes more danger. Slow down and let the other driver pass. When it’s safe to use your cell phone, call *847 and provide them with your location, a description of the vehicle and details regarding the aggressive driving behavior.
If you or a loved one is involved in a Tennessee automobile accident involving an aggressive or road rage driver it is critical that you contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and take advantage of a free consultation to find out about your rights and remedies.
Phillip Miller is a Tennessee Accident Attorney specializing in
Phillip has an AVVO rating of 10.0 (Superb), has been designated as a “Superlawyer”, and is the President Elect of the Tennessee Association for Justice.
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