Everything from the weather to the time of day and how much sleep a person got the night before contributes to roadway collisions. Sadly, no matter how much you prepare or how safely you drive, there are some situations you cannot plan for. If you live in one of these states, there is a high chance that road rage will be one problem that contributes to numerous car accidents.
The Nation’s Rudest Drivers
Though bad behavior can be found anywhere you go, it has apparently congregated in these states. Based on a survey conducted by Insure.com, the most impatient and rudest drivers in the nation live in:
- Idaho
- District of Columbia
- New York
- Wyoming
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- Utah
Wondering what contributes to driver behaviors in these states? Some individuals and states may simply have different driving philosophies – for example, residents in Idaho (the state with the rudest drivers) have a bit of a lifestyle conflict, with especially slow drivers causing some high blood pressure on the roadways. Though this is no excuse for rude behavior, it does point to impatience as a major problem. Of course, you cannot really change the way other people think or personally convince them to drive better – so what is a friendly motorist to do?
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is an often-prescribed punishment for infractions, such as speeding or running a stop sign. Some states even offer these programs as incentives to encourage drivers to practice safe (and polite) behavior. This is for good reason; if you start your engine with the right mindset, you can avoid conflict on the road or, at least, be prepared to react to problems in time. Defensive driving classes teach the importance of paying attention, anticipating dangerous situations, and carefully reacting to evade collisions.
Stay Alert on the Road
Unfortunately, rushing is one of the primary factors at work in rude driving behavior. Though it can be tempting to go with the flow of traffic regardless of the posted limits, speeding contributes to thousands of wrecks and millions in property damage every year. This dangerous practice affects a person’s ability to slow down or respond effectively, and with other impatient or reckless drivers on the road, the highway can be an incredible hazard. Here are a few ways you can stay alert on the road:
- Do not use cell phones or even hands-free systems.
- Do not drive if you are exhausted.
- Plan ahead, and do not rush.
In addition to speeding, driving too fast for conditions, distracted driving, or driving under the influence can affect a person’s ability to respond to roadway conditions – which includes other drivers.
Know When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in West Virginia
Though our state is not one of the rudest, even the best precautions and training materials cannot keep you safe from a speeding or negligent driver. When these habits lead to a traffic accident, the correct response is to work with an attorney. He or she can help you collect photos, interview witnesses, and recreate the life-threatening incident. Rushed and otherwise irresponsible driving typically implies negligence, and you should never have to pay extensive bills because of a dangerous motorist’s actions.
A West Virginia personal injury lawyer can explain the evidence you will need to build a case and successfully plead your claim. The compensation you receive can cover costs related to medical bills, property damage, and future pain and suffering. Do not languish trying to pay for these expensive bills out of pocket. Call the law office of Tiano O’Dell, PLLC or contact us online for a free case evaluation, and we will inform you of your legal options.