Both aggressive and reckless driving are dangerous to motorists, passengers, other cars, and pedestrians. In Atlanta, reckless driving is a significant traffic offense a person commits while driving a vehicle with unconcern for the safety of themselves or others. In comparison, aggressive drivers commit several moving traffic offenses in an effort to endanger others.
If you are involved in such accidents, an Atlanta motor vehicle accident attorney can help you claim compensation for the damages.
Difference between reckless and aggressive driving
In reckless driving, the driver exhibits the following:
- Driving at very high or low speed endangers the safety of others on the road.
- Overtaking other vehicles in no pass-zone or slopes where vision is limited.
- Continuous weaving in and out of traffic.
- Passing stopped school buses with signals on.
In aggressive driving, a driver exhibits any of the following:
- Failing to yield
- Slowing down vehicles in an unsafe manner
- Following vehicles closely
- Flashing bright lights or honking repeatedly.
- Not obeying the traffic signals and signs.
While both types of driving are dangerous, aggressive and reckless driving pose different legal results. Reckless driving is operating a vehicle without concerning the safety of others or property. Those who commit such driving can face a fine of upto $1,000 and jail too. Additional legal problems of reckless driving can include withdrawing or suspending driver’s license and possible lawsuits if injured people are involved.
Aggressive driving can result in upto a $5000 fine and one year of jail. If aggressive driving occurs on the highway, the responsible driver can be arrested with a felony if a worker is injured. Causing accidents in a work zone can result in a Class D felony, and killing a worker can result in a Class C felony.
What is road rage?
Road rage is a wave of extreme anger behind the wheel. It can take many forms, but it is not regarded as a crime or traffic violation until it results in an accident or violating traffic rules. Road rage can be of various forms:
- Rude gestures
- Tailgating
- Honking horns
- Yelling
- Intentionally hitting other vehicles
- Blocking the way of other cars from changing lane
If you are prone to road rage, remember to think in a different way–if someone is driving slowly, it is not done to irritate you; instead, they have their own personal preferences or needs. It is also not appropriate to tailgate other vehicles.
