Washington State Ranks in the Top 10 Most Aggressive Drivers in the Nation
Aggressive driving puts us all in danger. If you have ever been driving at the speed limit in the right lane and been continuously tail-gated by another driver; you have been the victim of aggressive driving. If you have ever witnessed another vehicle weaving in and out of traffic, speeding, or cutting drivers off; you have witnessed aggressive driving. This dangerous driving behavior puts other drivers and pedestrians in danger and increases the risk of car accidents. If you witness a road rage incident, the WSP asks that you call 9-1-1 right away.
If you or a loved one was injured as a result of an aggressive driver, contact a local car accident lawyer as soon as possible. You are entitled to a full and fair settlement for your losses and injuries.
Washington State Ranks in the Top 10 Most Aggressive Drivers in the Nation
According to a recently published study by Forbes Advisor, Washington State ranks ninth in the nation for aggressive drivers. The study was instigated by a nationwide rise in drive-by shootings two years ago.
Some of the shocking findings from the study:
- Six percent of respondents reported that another driver bumped, rammed, or otherwise damaged their car on purpose.
- Forty-three percent of respondents said someone has cut them off on purpose.
- Thirty-seven percent of respondents said they had been yelled at, insulted, cursed at, or had threats made against them.
- Five percent of respondents said that their car has been forced off the road.
- Three percent of respondents said that someone pointed a gun at and/or shot at them.
In addition, more than 20 percent of drivers have seen someone cause an accident due to road rage and 23 percent of drivers know of someone in their state that has been injured in a road rage incident.
The top five states with the worst road rage are Utah, Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
What is aggressive driving?
Aggressive driving, sometimes referred to as road rage or reckless driving, is defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as “the combination of moving traffic offenses that endangers the lives of person or property.” The most common types of aggressive driving behaviors are speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights.
The NHTSA found that aggressive driving behaviors played a role in about 56 percent of fatal crashes in a five-year review of their Fatal Accident Report database. According to policyadvice.net, an estimated 110,000 people die in accidents caused by aggressive driving every four years. That means we are losing almost 30,000 people every year because of aggressive driving behaviors.
Why do people drive aggressively?
There are many reasons that drivers choose to drive aggressively. Often, aggressive driving occurs when someone is stressed or angry or is simply frustrated by heavy traffic over a long period of time or day after day. Some people are simply not good at holding big emotions in and end up acting out in various ways on the road.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
