The Dangers of Aggressive Driving

At Silverman, McDonald, & Friedman, we help those who have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver. Our injury attorneys serve clients who live in and around Seaford, Wilmington, and Newark. Please contact us for more information.

Before we get into things, it’s important to understand that there’s a difference between defensive driving and aggressive driving. One is simply a good idea on the road, and one is prohibited by Delaware law. A defensive driver is always alert and cautious, never distracted, and always ready to adjust their driving in case of unforeseen circumstances. Defensive drivers are prepared to react quickly to changing weather conditions, traffic flow, or another driver’s mistake. On the other hand, aggressive drivers can be hazardous to others on the road because of their careless or emotional decisions. They can be volatile due to road rage, speeding, or tailgating.

Aggressive driving is against the law

Aggressive and reckless driving can cause serious car accidents, and Delaware has taken actions to curb this type of driving as much as possible. Under Delaware law, you can be ticketed for aggressive driving, and pay fines between $100 and $300 for a first offense. Other penalties can include jail time, suspended license, and enrollment in a behavior modification class or driving course. Penalties become more severe with subsequent offenses.

A driver is breaking the aggressive driving law if they violate three or more of the following in a single incident:

• Speeding
• Ignoring a traffic signal or other traffic control device
• Passing on the shoulder
• Unsafe lane changing
• Tailgating
• Failure to yield
• Failure to use turn signals
• Overtaking/passing a stopped school bus

If you’re confronted with an aggressive driver

If you find yourself dealing with an aggressive driver, you can take some precautions to keep yourself and your passengers safe:

• Never try to one-up or challenge an aggressive driver.
• Make every attempt to get out of their way.
• Call 911 when you can do so safely, providing the make, model, and license plate of the vehicle if possible, as well as the direction of travel.
• Ensure your seat belt is secured in case of any unexpected circumstances.
• Do not make eye contact and ignore any gestures or attempted communication.
• If the aggressive driver is involved in an accident, stop a safe distance away and wait for police to arrive. Provide a statement on the behavior you witnessed.

These tips can help protect you from dangerous drivers. However, if you are injured by an aggressive driver, you need experienced representation and deserve compensation. The legal team at Silverman, McDonald, & Friedman advocate and fight for their clients in Wilmington, Seaford, and Newark. Call 302-888-2900 or fill out our contact form today.