A new study reveals which are the cities with the worst traffic in the US: Miami (#3) and New York (#6) are among the top of the list. More congestion not only means more wasted time, but also more accidents: rear-end collisions, sudden lane changes, and an increasingly common phenomenon, “road rage” or road rage.
“A very high percentage of drivers in the U.S. have reported having been subjected to or witnessed traffic aggression behavior,” says attorney Jany Martinez-Ward, founding partner and director of The Ward Law Group, one of the best independent law firms with successful claims in Miami.
96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors in the past year, according to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. From exceeding speed limits and driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, to cutting off other drivers, aggressive driving has become almost universal.
In Florida, there is also an increase in road rage incidents involving firearms. A recent case in Orlando (#12 on the list) involved a couple who were arrested after shooting at another vehicle in a road rage incident with their eight-month-old baby in the back seat.
NHTSA figures indicate that in a seven-year period, more than 12,000 injuries and more than 200 homicides were attributed to road rage incidents in the country.
In this scenario, accident attorney Jany Martinez-Ward explains what to do if you are a victim of road rage while driving:
-Stay calm . Do not respond with aggressive gestures or words, as confrontation can only escalate the situation.
-Do not stop the vehicle , or leave. Continue to drive with caution. Never get out to confront the other driver.
-Avoid prolonged eye contact . This can be interpreted as a challenge. Focus on the road.
-Look for a safe place . Driving to a police station, busy gas station, or well-lit public place. Call 911 and report the situation with as much detail as possible (color, model, license plates of the vehicle).
-Document if it is safe to do so . A video recorded with a dashcam or cell phone can serve as evidence later, as long as we do not put security at risk. The priority is physical safety, and it is above any insult or material damage.
It is important to remember that in case this behavior results in an accident, the steps to follow are the same as always (as long as they do not put your safety at risk). In this case, it is also important to call 911 to get a police report, capture photos and videos of both vehicles and the scene of the accident. And call an accident lawyer so that you receive the support you need from the first moment. Every second that passes can make a difference in the monetary compensation you could receive as an accident victim.
Jany Martinez-Ward is an accident attorney with more than 15 years of experience defending the rights of accident victims in Florida and New York. Founder of The Ward Law Group widely recognized as one of the most trusted law firms in Florida for car accident victims. @janymartinezward – https://www.855dolor55.com/