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When you’re running late, you may feel the need to speed. Some defend aggressive driving as a style choice that does not necessarily put others at risk when implemented carefully. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as when an individual commits a “combination of moving traffic violations so as to endanger other persons or property.” Auto body damage is the least disastrous potential outcome of aggressive driving, as it can easily lead to injury or death. Here are a few examples of aggressive driving behaviors and what you can do to stay safe behind the wheel.

Speeding Drivers

Speeding

Within the context of free-flow driving (driving within the flow of traffic), law enforcement may elect to ignore speeds of up to 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. However, aggressive drivers exceed this threshold by going faster than enforcement speed. Aggressive driving entails disregard for posted speed and willingness to accept a ticket or other punishment in exchange for driving too fast to be considered safe.

Reckless Driving

In addition to unsafe driving speeds, reckless driving includes failure to indicate turns and lane changes, lack of awareness for pedestrians, and another general disregard. Reckless drivers only think of themselves. Speeding and disobeying traffic laws not only reflects poorly on you as a driver, but it puts you and others at serious risk for injury and death. This type of driving can be punished with fines and even jail time.

Aggressive Driving Prevention

There is no excuse for aggressive driving. Planning ahead and leaving for your destination earlier can help you to avoid the need to drive aggressively in the future. There are also classes that you can take to help alleviate the stress and anxiety that can be the root of aggressive driving, as some people drive this way regardless of circumstance.

If you are ever the victim of someone else’s aggressive driving or another type of collision, pome to Michael J’s Body Shop for collision repair. Call us at 408-279-2070 to learn more about our auto body repair services and pricing. We offer lifetime warranties on our collision repair work and accept most major auto insurance policies for San Jose area drivers.