With its dense population, outdated roadways, growing number of young drivers, large number or senior drivers and diverse communities, it should be no surprise that there is a large amount of road rage accidents that happen in South Florida. In fact, Miami often makes it to the top of the AutoVantage annual list of cities with most aggressive drivers.

Even though there is no national definition for the term, “Road Rage” is when a person driving a vehicle becomes angry or aggressive and decides to let out the frustration in the way they operate the vehicle. This aggressive driving puts them and other motorists at risk of getting into an accident where they may be seriously injured.

Road rage can be triggered by one or more factors. This could include hostility towards other drivers, problems at home, frustration towards the current traffic on the road, drugs, alcohol or personal problems.

Road Rage actions that cause accidents can include:

• Tailgating a vehicle
• Cutting off a motorist
• Running a traffic light
• Stopping traffic
• Changing lanes in an aggressive and unsafe way
• Driving aggressively while arguing with other motorists – rude hand gestures, swearing

Road Rage and Smart PhonesIt is unfortunate that such amazing technology can be so dangerous and negative behind the wheel. Distracted driving campaigns and awareness programs are in full force – and for good reason with all of the accidents that happen. Road rage is another negative effect that smartphones can have on drivers. It could be an argument with a partner, someone “blowing up” your phone with text messages because they “need” a response now or maybe an upsetting email from work. Even though any attention to a cellphone behind a wheel can be dangerous, an upsetting message or call can fuel rage that can lead to dangerous driving and an unfortunate accident.

Road Rage and Aggressive DrivingEven though aggressive driving and road rage are very similar, there is a difference and it is important. How important is the difference? Aggressive driving is a traffic offense. Road rage is a criminal offense.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as when a person commits a combination of traffic violations to endanger other people or property. Road rage is when the driver or passenger of one car uses the vehicle or another weapon to assault the driver or passenger of another car.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to another person’s road rage or aggressive driving, then you need to contact a law firm that understands these types of cases and what it takes to win them. Road rage and aggressive driving is everywhere in South Florida. It doesn’t matter if you live in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or the Palm Beach area. Even though most of us know to keep an eye out for reckless drivers, it may not be enough when we find ourselves sharing the road with the wrong person. Contact the accident attorneys at Madalon Law today for your free consultation and we will gladly go over your case with you.