There are a virtually unending list of unsafe driving practices that may cause serious collisions and result in major life changing injuries or the loss of a loved one. The state of Delaware is the newest state to enact a law targeting an increasing cause of auto collisions that is rarely thought of by the typical driver as a major accident risk – driving too slow. Many states are now passing tough new laws that impose substantial fines for drivers that drive slowly in the left lane of traffic. While most drivers understand that speed is a major contributor to car accidents, it is usually driving too fast, rather than too slow, that most drivers perceive as a serious danger of causing auto accidents.
The new laws sprouting up in a growing number of states specifically designates the left lane as being reserved for passing on roads that have at least two traffic lanes in both directions. Many states including Mississippi require drivers to remain in the right lane when traveling slower than the flow of traffic. When drivers obstruct traffic by driving relatively slowly in the left lane, other drivers get impatient and angry, and aggressive driving and road rage incidents are a frequent result.
Aggressive driving generally is comprised of consciously engaging in more than one traffic violation at any point in time. An example might include a driver passing on the shoulder while speeding. While violating traffic safety laws always creates a risk of injury for other vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians, these risks increase dramatically as a driver disregards an increasing number of traffic laws while driving. It is not uncommon for aggressive driving to anger other drivers resulting in the even more lethal danger of road rage incidents. Road rage is different from aggressive driving because it does not involve “accidents” based on unsafe driving. The term refers to aggressive behavior that is intended to cause injury or harm another.
While dawdlers in the left lane of traffic may be annoying, the practice certainly does not excuse or justify aggressive driving behavior or road wage. Nonetheless, legislators and law enforcement authorities in many states believe that alleviating this source of frustration will make the roads safer by discouraging the interruption in the flow of traffic caused by pokey drivers in the left lane.
One driving safety advocate points out that it is never a good idea to continue driving in the left lane if you are being passed on the right. Drivers that are frustrated by drivers traveling too slowly may tailgate, flash their lights, make obscene gestures and even pass on the left shoulder, which is extremely reckless behavior. If you or someone you love is injured or a loved one dies because of aggressive driving and road rage, the experienced Mississippi aggressive driving accident attorneys at Barrett Law are committed to holding drivers who consciously violate traffic safety laws accountable for their actions. At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.