Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog
Speeding and aggressive driving are often factors in serious Boston car crashes.
We all know how frustrating it can be when we’re running late or when someone cuts you off in traffic.
But our Boston car accident attorneys have seen firsthand how dangerous it can be when drivers drop their defenses and act out that frustration on other motorists. It’s often sparked by something trivial, but when that aggression is played out at high speeds, the consequences can be deadly.
As Part 8 of our Boston Road Safety series, we’re exploring how we define road rage, how to curb it and how to protect yourself.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that just 12 percent of fatal speeding crashes happened on the highway. The overwhelming majority – 88 percent – happened off the interstate.
If you find that you may have some aggressive driving tendencies, the highway safety administration offers the following advice:
1. Concentrate on the road, rather than your cell phone, eating or any other task aside from driving.
2. Try to relax. Turn on the radio and listen to your favorite songs. This can help calm your nerves and make your time in the car more enjoyable.
3. Obey the speed limit. It will reduce your chances of a crash.
4. If you know traffic is going to be congested, consider mapping a different route before you set out.
5. Consider using public transportation. It’s less stressful, and may save you hundreds of dollars a month in gas.
6. Just be late. It’s better than being seriously injured or worse.
For those of us who sometimes must share the road with aggressive drivers, here are a few other helpful tips:
1. Do your best to get out of their way.
2. Set aside your pride and think about your safety.
3. Avoid making eye contact with the aggressor. That can sometimes just make them angrier.
4. If they make an obscene gesture at you, ignore them, and don’t return it.
5. If the person poses a serious risk to you or other drivers, consider reporting them to police. Make sure you are in a safe location when you do so.
If you have been involved in a distracted driving-related car accident in Massachusetts, contact Boston Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman. Our firm offers free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.
Additional Resources:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Aggressive Driving Brochure
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