It is "good" to have an aggressive attorney, right? You want someone who will vigorously fight for your rights. It is good to aggressively pursue your studies; attack your books as aggressively as you can. It is not always bad to be aggressive. All of us, for instance, need to be "good" aggressive when it comes to preventing "bad" aggressive behavior: What am I talking about? Why, aggressive driving, of course. Concerns over aggressive driving continue to grow in America. Even the most highly skilled driver may be at risk. It is not enough for a "good" or "skilled" driver to follow the rules of the road; all of us must diligently watch out for the aggressive "other" guy. Over 95% of all accidents are the result of one driver’s negligent behavior – driving too fast or too aggressively.
As you travel on the busy roadways, you are sure to witness an aggressive driver. They are the ones who:
· Exceed the speed limit or speed up when someone tries to pass them
· Follow too closely; tailgating those who wish to go slower
· Drive erraticly and make unsafe lane changes, weaving in and out of traffic
· Do not Signal when making a lane change
· Fail to obey traffic lights and stop signs
· Pass cars on the right
· Flash lights at vehicles in front of them when they decide that the lead driver is going "to slow"
· Consistently honk their horns at other drivers
· Make rude or obscene gestures, or scream out the window
Aggressive driving is often triggered by traffic congestion; of course, these bullies also fail to allow enough time to reach their destination. Their potential erratic behavior is varied and often hard to predict. As a result, the aggressive driver puts himself and the rest of us at risk. While we can’t always prevent accidents, we can practice defensive driving and keep our distance from aggressive drivers. Here are a few tips to avoid an aggressive driver or avoid becoming one.
· Keep your distance from an erratic driver; make every attempt to get out or stay out of their way
· Do not block passing lanes
· Do not tailgate
· Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up, slowing down, or any combination thereof
· Avoid eye contact with the aggressor; keep your eyes on the road
· Ignore obscene gestures; refuse to reciprocate
· Never confront an aggressive driver
· Plan in advance – allow plenty of time to reach your destination, allow for delays due to construction and weather
· Be Patient: Understand that you cannot control traffic or road construction
The main thing to remember is to clearly “broadcast” to other drivers what your intentions are at all times by using your signals, following at a safe distance, obeying the speed limit, and passing safely. We must all be careful out there; engaging in aggressive conduct with an aggressive driver is a bit like playing Russian roulette. If you encounter an aggressive driver, you might consider pulling over and dialing 9-1-1. You may save a life, and, the life you save may be your own.
Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life funding is needed during litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.
