Report Agressive Driving

As an experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer, I regularly witness the role of aggressive drivers in many Tennessee car accidents. Statistics suggest that as many as one third of traffic crashes resulting in death can be attributed to aggressive driving and two-thirds of resulting deaths can be attributed to aggressive driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner which endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” Some of the most common actions considered aggressive include:

* Speeding

* Red light running

* Failure to yield

* Following too closely

* Unsafe lane changes

* Failure to obey traffic control devices

* Failure to use proper signals

* Improper passing

Reference a recent incident of dangerous aggressive driving that caused two automobile accidents before the aggressive driver lost control and crashed his own car. According to local media accounts the 32-year-old Franklin, Tennessee man was passing cars on Highway 96 East at speeds over 100 miles-per-hour before he lost control and crashed.

The man fled the scene and was later arrested in a neighborhood after being spotted by residents. Fortunately, neither the aggressive driver, nor the two other wrecked drivers suffered serious life threatening injuries.

Many states around the nation have specific statutes prohibiting aggressive driving. In Tennessee aggressive driving is addressed in the statutes as Reckless Driving. TN Code section 55-10-205)55-10-205, describes reckless driving as; “Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving.” Sound like the shoe fits this guy? You bet it does.

I would encourage each driver who ventures out onto the highways and byways of Tennessee to arm themselves with the telephone number of the appropriate law enforcement agency, either 911 or *847 for Tennessee State Troopers and when you witness an aggressive driver, or a drag racer, pull over to a safe place and call in the license number, description of the vehicle and any other specifics that you observed. Save a life and tell all of your friends and families to step up and help reduce traffic fatalities in Tennessee.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee automobile accident contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident lawyers at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out about your rights and remedies. Call 615-356-2000.

Agressive Driver

Aggressive driving is a major concern of the American public, ranking at or near the top of traffic safety issues in national surveys of motorists. However, the concept of aggressive driving is not well defined, and its overall impact on traffic safety has not been well quantified due to inadequacies and limitation of available data.

Although studies of aggressive driving have defined the issue in a number of different ways, most suggest that young males are more likely than other demographic groups to drive in ways that may be considered aggressive or dangerous. Some studies suggest that individual differences in personality play a significant role in one’s propensity toward aggressive or dangerous driving, and that people who drive aggressively are more likely than others to have other psychiatric or behavioral issues outside the specific context of driving.

In contrast, others point out that very polite and well-mannered people, who wouldn’t even think of cutting in line at the grocery store or doing other rude behaviors, act very rude and aggressive when behind the steering wheel, including late merges to cut in line.

Studies have also found aggressive behavior increases under states of stress and that certain driving situations such as traffic congestion can evoke stress. Moreover, it is important to recognize that an aggressive driving act by one driver can trigger a disproportionate response, sometimes even escalating to the level of “road rage,” which is a criminal act of assault which may stem from a confrontation that occurred on the road.

I would encourage each driver who ventures out onto the highways and byways of Tennessee to arm themselves with the telephone number of the appropriate law enforcement agency, either 911 or *847 for State Troopers and when you witness an aggressive driver, or a drag racer, pull over to a safe place and call in the license number, description of the vehicle and any other specifics that you observed. Save a life and tell all of your friends and families to step up and help reduce traffic fatalities in Tennessee.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee automobile accident caused by an aggressive driver contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out all about your rights and remedies.

If it hasn’t occurred to you yet, a motor vehicle is considered a deadly weapon in Tennessee and most every other state. Using a vehicle for any other purpose other than getting from one place to another can lead to serious consequences.

Reference a recent road rage incident in Johnson City in which a , 32-year-old man was charged with domestic aggravated assault and violating an order of protection. The police report stated that a 27-year-old woman called police to report a man banging on her door at 8:30 in the morning, demanding to see his kids.

As he was leaving, the woman went to the parking lot to get his license plate number. He saw her and ran her down. Several witnesses saw the incident and gave statements to the police. The man turned himself into police the following morning and is now jailed under a bond of $50,000.00 on charges of domestic aggravated assault and violating an order of protection.

Road rage differs from aggressive driving. It is a criminal offense and is an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway.

I would encourage each driver who ventures out onto the highways and byways of Tennessee to arm themselves with the telephone number of the appropriate law enforcement agency, either 911 or *847 for State Troopers and when you witness an aggressive driver, pull over to a safe place and call in the license number, description of the vehicle and any other specifics that you observed. Save a life and tell all of your friends and families to step up and help reduce traffic fatalities in Tennessee.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee automobile accident caused by an aggressive or raging driver contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out all about your rights and remedies.

Road Rage Is A Crime

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as, “when individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.”  Road rage differs from aggressive driving. It is a criminal offense and is an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway.

A good example of road rage became public last week in Johnson City, Tennessee when a Kodak man got into an argument with two people in a city bar, followed them when they left and rammed his car into them numerous times, finally causing them to spin out of control and strike another car.

Of course, after this guy acts the fool and leaves people injured and in need of care, he runs off and hides. You can imagine the good thinking going on with this fellow, he knew the people he wrecked. He hid out for several days until the police ran him down. He’s now in jail where he belongs.

This is a good example of a situation where a bit of creative judgment is called for. No matter what sort of jail time he gets for this dangerous behavior, and the time needs to be serious, after he is released he should be barred from operating a motor vehicle and from frequenting places that sell alcohol for a period of years.

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 or 911.  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 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.

Road Rage Is A Crime

As an experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer, I regularly witness the role of aggressive drivers in many Tennessee car accidents. Statistics suggest that as many as one third of traffic crashes resulting in death can be attributed to aggressive driving and two-thirds of resulting deaths can be attributed to aggressive driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner which endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” Some of the most common actions considered aggressive include:

* Speeding

* Red light running

* Failure to yield

* Following too closely

* Unsafe lane changes

* Failure to obey traffic control devices

* Failure to use proper signals

* Improper passing

Road rage differs from aggressive driving. It is a criminal offense and is an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway.

A case out of Johnson City, Tennessee makes clear the difference between these two equally despicable actions. A man and a woman told police that a man followed them onto I-26 westbound after having a dispute at Numan’s, a local nightclub. The couple told police the man rammed them from behind at least twice on the interstate. The driver told police he was sure it was the man with whom he had the dispute because he could see his face clearly in the rearview mirror.

The police will find this guy, he’ll brag about it, or someone he has bullied in the past is going to drop a dime on him. Highway traffic safety and law enforcement experts suggest that if you are set upon by a road rager, call the police immediately, give them your location and a description of the vehicle and or the person and then try to drive to a busy place where there are plenty of witnesses. Tell the police dispatcher where you are going.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee automobile accident by an aggressive driver, contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and get a complete picture of your rights and remedies.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors can include speeding, frequent and unnecessary lane changes, tailgating, and running red or yellow lights. These behaviors create unsafe situations and can lead to road rage.

Opinion surveys show motorists rate aggressive driving as a top threat to highway safety, yet many do not identify their own behavior as aggressive. Crash data shows a continuous increase in the number of deaths and injuries attributed to speed.

Why Aggressive Driving Is Increasing

• Lack of responsible driving behavior – On the road, the focus often is on individual rights and freedom, not on responsibility to other drivers we share the road with. Driving should be cooperative, not a competitive sport.

• Reduced levels of enforcement – The perceived risk of being apprehended for a traffic violation is directly related to the level of traffic enforcement. Unfortunately, many jurisdictions have cut back on traffic enforcement because of budget constraints.

• More travel and congestion, especially in urban areas – Over the last 30 years, the number of miles driven in the United States has increased by 38 percent, while the number of miles of available roads has increased by less than 1 percent. Some motorists find themselves responding to the frustrations of driving in high-density traffic areas by acting aggressively.

What You Can Do

Reduce Your Own Aggressive Driving Tendencies

• Keep your emotions in check. Don’t take your frustrations out on other drivers.

• Plan ahead and allow enough time for delays.

• Focus on your own driving. Yelling, pounding on the steering wheel and honking your horn won’t make traffic move any faster.

How to Avoid Danger

First, be a cautious, considerate driver. Avoid creating a situation that may provoke another individual.

• Don’t tailgate or flash your lights at another driver.

• If you’re in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let the driver pass you.

• Use your horn sparingly.

Second, if you do encounter an angry driver, don’t make matters worse by triggering a confrontation.

• Avoid eye contact.

• Steer clear and give angry drivers plenty of room.

• Don’t make inappropriate hand or facial gestures.

• If you’re concerned for your safety, call 911.

If you happen to run afoul of an aggressive Tennessee driver and are injured, you owe it to yourself to contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident lawyers at Phillip Miller & Associates and take advantage of a free consultation.

Road Rager Kills Wife

A great drama played out in a Tennessee courtroom this past week as a road rager husband, previously convicted of voluntary manslaughter, vehicular homicide, aggravated assault, aggravated child neglect and felony reckless endangerment, was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison.

The man, in an angry rage, chased his wife with his vehicle and at high speeds he rammed the rear-end of her SUV and forced her off the road, the SUV rolled and she was ejected and killed. Her passenger was seriously injured. The couple’s oldest son, who was 11-years-old was a passenger in his father’s vehicle, witnessed this outrageous act and the death of his mother. In a letter to the court, the convicted man admitted he made “poor decisions”, but refused to take responsibility for the death of his wife. He didn’t say who he thought was responsible.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as, “when individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Some other communities define aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle involving three or more moving violations as part of a single continuous sequence of driving acts, which is likely to endanger any person or property.”

To avoid conflict with the term road rage, departments should clearly identify that issue and train their officers to use the correct terminology during the program as well as during traffic stops and public information opportunities. Road rage differs from aggressive driving. It is a criminal offense and is “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway.”

If you or a loved one are injured or killed by a Tennessee road rager contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and take advantage of a free consultation to determine your rights and remedies.

Aggressive Driving or Road Rage?

As law enforcement agencies develop their programs, they should define aggressive driving based on their state laws, customs and practices by the agency, and by the public’s understanding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as, “when individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Some other communities define aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle involving three or more moving violations as part of a single continuous sequence of driving acts, which is likely to endanger any person or property.”

To avoid conflict with the term road rage, departments should clearly identify that issue and train their officers to use the correct terminology during the program as well as during traffic stops and public information opportunities. Road rage differs from aggressive driving. It is a criminal offense and is “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway.”

Some behaviors typically associated with aggressive driving include: exceeding the posted speed limit, following too closely, erratic or unsafe lane changes, improperly signaling lane changes, failure to obey traffic control devices (stop signs, yield signs, traffic signals, railroad grade cross signals, etc.). Law enforcement agencies should include red light running as part of their definition of aggressive driving. NHTSA calls the act of red light running as one of the most dangerous forms of aggressive driving.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee car accident caused by an aggressive driver, contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates.

Lately this Tennessee automobile accident lawyer has been giving a lot of thought to acts of aggressive driving. A recent article on the website of the Atlanta-Journal-Constitution points out an incident on I-285 that epitomizes the thoughtless nature of those

Report Aggressive Drivers

who choose to put the lives of other drivers on the line so that they can get the thrill of drag racing.

According to the article two cars were racing on I-285 when one of them clipped another car and then, at high speed, hit three other cars, sending at least three people, with moderate to mild injuries, to the hospital and leaving thousands of dollars of damaged vehicle. Instead of stopping to see if they could help the inured, the cowardly jerks fled the scene.

Aggressive driving is a traffic offense or combination of offenses such as following too closely, speeding, unsafe lane changes, failing to signal intent to change lanes, and other forms of negligent or inconsiderate driving. Unfortunately, these actions put the rest of us at risk.

Aggressive driving is a major concern of the American public, ranking at or near the top of traffic safety issues in national surveys of motorists. In Tennessee and throughout the country, the public’s concern over aggressive driving continues to grow. Some studies indicate the public is actually more fearful of aggressive drivers than it is of impaired drivers. Aggressive driving is truly dangerous and cannot be tolerated.

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a Tennessee automobile accident caused by an aggressive driver contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out all about your rights and remedies.

A Chapel Hill man is facing aggravated assault charges after a minor accident turned violent Tuesday afternoon in Franklin, Tennessee. According to the police report one driver got out of his vehicle and began cursing the other motorist after their vehicles collided in heavy traffic near the intersection of Mallory Lane and Liberty Pike.

Not satisfied with cursing and abusive language the driver them pulled out a pocketknife and opened the blade. Neither the second driver, nor his 12-year-old daughter who was in the car with him, were hurt. The knife wielding man was charged with aggravated assault and released on $2,500 bond.

In Tennessee and throughout the country, the public’s concern over aggressive driving continues to grow. Some studies indicate the public is actually more fearful of aggressive drivers than it is of impaired drivers. Aggressive driving is truly dangerous and cannot be tolerated. Several states are considering legislation to deal specifically with the aggressive driving issue.

If you or loved one has been injured or killed in a Tennessee auto accident caused by an aggressive driver, the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates have the experience and knowledge needed to successfully handle your Tennessee auto accident case. Contact us immediately after an auto accident and we will discuss the situation with you, free of charge, and come up with a plan of action to help you get compensation for your loss.