Road Rage: How Angry, Aggressive Driving Increases Naples Car Accident Risks
It is easy to get frustrated with local traffic and the behavior of other motorists. Unfortunately, this could lead you to engage in angry, aggressive, and potentially dangerous behavior on the road. After a recent road rage incident in Collier County, our Naples car accident lawyer wants local motorists to be aware of how common aggressive driving is and how it increases crash risks.
Driver Faces Multiple Charges For Firing A Gun At Another Vehicle
Aggressive driving is unfortunately common in Naples and throughout Florida. A violent road rage incident in Collier County recently made national headlines. According to a January 11, 2024 NBC News report, it happened on Tree Farm Road near the intersection with Woodcrest Drive. A woman and her daughter were in a pick-up truck and being followed by her husband when she passed another vehicle. The driver pulled a gun, got behind her, and fired several shots into the truck.
Fortunately, neither she nor her daughter were injured. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was alerted and located the at fault driver. After a wild chase, they apprehended the suspect, a 32-year-old man who is a convicted felon. He faces a variety of charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied vehicle, and is currently held in the Collier County jail.
Aggressive Driving Behaviors That Increase Naples Car Accident Risks
While most cases do not rise to the above level of violence, aggressive driving is an unfortunately serious problem in Naples. The American Automobile Association (AAA) warns that it is a leading cause of car accidents, which have the potential to result in life-threatening injuries, and puts everyone on the road at risk.
Aggressive driving is defined as any kind of hostile behavior meant to intimidate or harass other motorists. This includes:
- Tailgating, or following too closely;
- Failing to yield;
- Speeding and weaving in and out of traffic;
- Pulling out in front of other motorists;
- Cutting other drivers off when passing.
If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road, give them plenty of space. Resist the impulse to engage with them, either through your own driving behavior or by yelling, making angry gestures, or other outbursts.
If their behavior puts you or other motorists at risk, pull over at the first safe location and notify the authorities. Be aware that aggressive driving is more likely to happen in heavy traffic, during rush hour when people are eager to get home from work, and over weekends and holidays.
Injured In A Crash? Contact Our Naples Car Accident Lawyers Today
Aggressive driving is a common type of reckless behavior and a leading cause of car accidents in Naples. If you or someone you love is injured in this type of crash, get the caring support and personalized legal representation you need in filing a claim at Cardinal Law Firm. Give us a call or contact our office online and request a consultation with our Naples car accident lawyers today.
Sources:
https://www.nbc-2.com/article/suspect-in-custody-after-leading-deputies-on-chase-through-golden-gate-estates/46346188
https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/aggressive-driving/
