In the 110 years that Powell Law has represented Pennsylvania accident victims, our attorneys have witnessed the evolution of the automobile and its significant effect upon the lives of all Americans, especially those in northeastern Pennsylvania. The automobile is an essential part of our daily routine as we use it for travel to work, school, and recreational activities. No matter which road or interstate we travel through and around the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, the scale of human motor vehicle activity is evident by the considerable amount of traffic we encounter on a daily basis.
As it seems like every hour is “rush hour” in 2016, dealing with more traffic means dealing with more aggressive drivers. A great majority of Americans are concerned with aggressive driving and consider it a real threat to the safety of all drivers. Aggressive driving
includes any unsafe driving behavior which is performed intentionally and with no regard for safety. Examples of aggressive driving include tailgating, driving 15 mph above the speed limit, illegal passing, and recklessly changing lanes. As more traffic means more aggressive drivers frequent the road, instances of road rage are increasing with such incidents regularly reported in the news.
You can’t allow the aggressive driving of other motorists to cause you to lose your cool when you’re behind the wheel. The road is no place for stubborn pride and getting even. Let me stress that confronting motorists who are driving aggressively is a “lose-lose” proposition, especially if done while you are still driving, which is often the case. The distraction alone of trying to get the attention of another driver may cause an accident which results in severe injuries or even death. Even if you both manage to stop safely, you are confronting the unknown, raising many questions: Is the other driver armed? Is he under the influence of drugs or medications which may cause him to be violent? Many drivers have confronted another driver only to end up looking down the barrel of a gun, or worse. It’s just not worth it.
So how do you handle these situations? It’s certainly much easier to deal with the expected rather than the unexpected. I believe aggressive drivers represent an adverse driving condition not unlike bad weather or heavy traffic. It’s a simple fact that motorists that hit the road in the middle of winter in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area must be aware of the possibility of bad weather affecting their journey. Pennsylvania drivers must be aware that on any road at any time they may encounter an act of aggressive driving.
Acts of aggressive driving and road rage must be dealt with from a safe distance. It’s not your place and much too risky to take the law in your own hands. To keep your cool, you have to adjust your attitude. Don’t be in a hurry. Leave for your destination a few minutes earlier if possible. Don’t make driving a contest to get to your destination in the shortest time possible. Drive defensively. Don’t be thin-skinned. Put yourself in the place of the other driver. Also, don’t give other drivers any reason to get upset with your driving. Don’t tailgate, don’t drive slowly in the left lane, or cut other drivers off when changing lanes. Refrain from confrontation and eye contact with enraged drivers. First and foremost, relax when you drive.
Powell Law has litigated on behalf of drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents since the Model T made its first appearance on the streets of northeastern Pennsylvania. Contact Powell Law online or call (570) 961-0777. Your first consultation is free.
