Arizona: A Top State for Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive driving is something that if we are being honest, most of us have engaged in at some point. If you don’t believe that you have ever driven aggressively you most certainly have seen other aggressive drivers on the road at some point in your driving career. Unfortunately for Arizonians, a 2016 study showed that Phoenix and Tucson are the top two cities in the country that have the most aggressive drivers.

What Is Considered Aggressive Driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute (NHTSA), aggressive driving is when a person makes a combination of moving traffic offenses that put other people or property in danger. There are many factors that can contribute to an individual’s propensity to drive aggressively. Being late to a destination, having a bad day at work, other driver’s behavior, and lack of patience to name a few. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the most commonly cited reason for aggressive driving is traffic congestion. Speeding tops the list of how drivers will express their frustration while behind the wheel.

  Some aggressive driving examples include:

• Tailgating
• Weaving through traffic
• Erratic lane changes
• Changing lanes frequently and without allowing proper room between cars
• Improper passing
• Not yielding to others 
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Driving at excessive speeds

All of these behaviors may trigger a law enforcement officer to pull you over for a stern talking to or a fine. The risk for an accident rises when there are aggressive drivers on the road. Aggressive driving not only puts you in danger but it also poses a threat to all those who are sharing the roads with you.

If you have been hit and injured by an aggressive driver, you must protect your legal rights. You deserve compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered. An experienced Phoenix automobile attorney will increase your chances of filing a successful personal injury claim for the most compensation possible. 

How Does Arizona Define Aggressive Driving?

The state of Arizona has its own definition of aggressive driving and what penalties are associated with it. According to state law, if a driver does any of the following they are considered to be driving aggressively:

• Exceeds a “reasonable and prudent speed” on the highway, OR
• Exceeds a prescribed speed limit in designated areas including business and residential areas, school crossing zones, and
• Drives in a manner that causes an immediate hazard to other persons or their property

You are also subject to charges in Arizona if two of the following take place:

• Not obeying traffic signals and signs
• Passing a vehicle on the right by driving off of the roadway
• Unsafe lane changing
• Following a vehicle too closely
• Not yielding the right of way

The bilingual Arizona serious injury attorneys at ELG understand what a threat aggressive drivers pose to the public. We have successfully litigated many cases where our clients were significantly injured from such behavior on the road.

Driving aggressively not only poses a great risk for serious accidents with injury or even death but it also may come with penalties including:

• License suspension
• Attending traffic school 
• Fines 
• Jail time

After your injury accident, call ELG at 623-562-3838 to schedule your free consultation at either of our locations in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona.