The Arizona Department of Public Safety is warning drivers about the dangers of aggressive driving this summer in an effort to reduce the number of serious and fatal Arizona car accidents.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that at least 1,500 motorists, including children, are injured or killed each year in the United States by aggressive driving.
Aggressive driving includes speeding, improper lane changes, failure to use signals, tailgating, aggressive gestures and improper passing.
There is a difference between aggressive driving and road rage. Aggressive driving is a traffic offense while road rage is a criminal offense. Road rage is “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon” involving the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle or regarding a dispute that occurred on the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the majority of drivers view aggressive driving as a serious safety threat and support the use of increased sanctions, photo enforcement and other means of combating aggressive driving and enhancing public safety.
Tips from the Arizona Department of Public Safety
-Avoid frustration while behind the wheel.
-Avoid distracted driving, including eating, drinking and talking on the phone.
-Don’t tailgate.
-Avoid making frequent lane changes.
-Never run a red light.
-Maintain a proper speed for the posted speed limits and the weather and road conditions.
-Concentrate on the task of driving.
-Relax.
-Plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid congestion.
-Consider using public transportation.
-When all else fails, just be late.
Advice when confronted with an aggressive driver
-Get out of the way.
-Don’t let pride get in the way, avoid challenging a driver by maintaining your speed or lane or by speeding up or become confrontational.
-Avoid eye contact, which can provoke an aggressive driver.
-Ignore hand gestures.
-Report aggressive drivers to the police.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the Arizona injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (602) 819-5191 today.
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