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A closer look at aggressive driving

On Behalf of | Oct 31, 2016 | Car Accidents |

Anyone who lives in or who has visited New York City knows that traffic there can be heavy much of the time. The conditions can lead to aggressive driving. The definition of aggressive driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is one or more moving traffic offenses that endanger other people or their property.

In 2009, the American Automobile Association analyzed NHTSA data and named certain behaviors that are associated with aggressive driving. Among them are speeding, following too closely, failure to obey traffic signs, passing where it is not allowed, racing, failure to signal, turning improperly and operating a vehicle in a reckless manner. Between 2003 and 2007, aggressive driving contributed to more than half of all fatal crashes, with speeding being the number one behavior reported.

Speeding was the number one driving behavior reported in fatal crashes in 2014 as well according to the NHTSA, accounting for 18 percent of reported driving behaviors. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication was second at 12.3 percent, followed by driving off road or failure to keep in the correct lane at 8.5 percent.

People who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a motorist who was traveling too fast for road conditions, under the influence of alcohol, distracted by a cellphone, following too closely or who was negligent in another manner may want to have legal assistance in obtaining compensation for their losses. A personal injury attorney could recommend the filing of a lawsuit against the at-fault motorist seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other applicable amounts.

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