Fewer car accidents could result from fewer aggressive drivers in South Florida
After four years as the city with the most aggressive drivers in America, Miami dropped to 7th in this year's Road Rage Survey, released Tuesday by AutoVantage.
Aggressive driving is a leading cause of car accidents handled by Florida personal injury lawyers.
New York City moved from third to first in this year's poll of worst cities. Dallas, Detroit, Atlanta and Minneapolis/St.Paul rounded out the top five. Meanwhile, Boston, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. joined Miami in exiting the grouping of worst cities in America.
Portland and Cleveland were ranked the nation's most courteous cities.
"This survey is another way we assist drivers by revealing the latest driving trends and attitudes to educate and influence safer, and perhaps more courteous, driving habits," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage.
This year's respondents were asked to define road rage, and pointed to two common attributes: angry drivers, including those who overreact and lose their temper, and aggressive driving, including cutting into lanes, speeding, honking and tailgating.
Major causes of road rage:
Bad/careless driving, such as cutting people off, tailgating, speeding, using cell phone, not using signals and making obscene gestures.
People who are angry, stressed or frustrated
People who are impatient or running late
Traffic accidents, poor road conditions and construction
Stress-causing behavior by other drivers:
Drivers who talk on their cell phones (84 percent reported seeing it everyday)
Driving too fast (58 percent)
Tailgating (53 percent)
Drivers eating or drinking while driving (48 percent)
Texting or e-mailing while driving (37 percent)
As a reaction to rude or bad drivers, people admitted they:
Honk their horn (43 percent)
Curse (36 percent)
Wave their fist or arms (13 percent)
Make an obscene gesture (10 percent)
Call the police (7 percent)
Slam into the car in front of them (1 percent)
Aggressive drivers are a serious concern on our roads. Their actions can lead to serious accidents. They can be held liable for the damages and injuries they cause and even face serious criminal charges.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a Florida car accident, there are things you can do to help protect your rights. Our Florida injury lawyers offer free appointments to discuss your rights at offices in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, Arcadia, Sebring and Venice. You'll pay us nothing unless we win.
