Identifying and Avoiding Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
As Utah’s population grows, we must commit to avoiding road rage and aggressive driving from others and keeping our cool if we experience it. More drivers on the road mean slower commutes and more potential for aggression. Without greater intention to avoid emotional responses, this leaves us all at greater risk of an accident. “Road rage” is a term that was coined in the 1990s by a television news station in response to several incidents of freeway shootings. Many have expanded the term to encompass all forms of aggressive driving. However, while both aggressive driving and road rage are dangerous, there are differences between the two. Utah motorists should be aware of what aggressive driving and road rage are, the extent of the problem of these behaviors, and how to avoid aggressive drivers and prevent auto accidents. What is the Difference Between Road Rage and Aggressive Driving? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s definition of aggressive driving is “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” While this behavior is dangerous, it’s not intentionally putting others at risk. Some examples of aggressive driving include speeding, sudden and unsignaled lane changes, following other vehicles too closely, driving too fast for the road conditions, ignoring traffic control signals, frequently honking car horns, flashing headlights, and improperly passing other vehicles. Road rage is a criminal offense, unlike aggressive driving, which is a traffic offense. According to the NHTSA, road rage is when a driver commits “moving traffic offenses to endanger other persons or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passengers of another motor vehicle.” The difference between road rage and aggressive driving is that a driver committing an act of road rage specifically intends to harm another, while an aggressive driver is putting others on the road at risk of harm but not targeting another driver specifically. How Big of a Problem are Road Rage and Aggressive Driving? Aggressive driving and road rage are serious problems. According to NHTSA and Auto Vantage auto club data, 66% of traffic fatalities are attributable to aggressive driving. This data also shows that 37% of all road rage incidents involve firearms. Utah has seen a trend of increased aggressive driving behaviors in 2021 and 2022. This includes behaviors like excessive speed, wrong-way driving, and brandishing weapons. The Utah Highway Patrol says this helps explain record numbers of highway fatalities in Utah and the nation overall. They suspect one reason for this is that during the pandemic, highway traffic decreased, making commutes much faster. As traffic levels have returned to normal and brought back congestion, it has created a situation of impatience and risky maneuvers. How Can People Avoid Aggressive Drivers? People can take some steps to help protect themselves from aggressive drivers and prevent road rage incidents, including: Maintain 360-degree awareness of vehicles around you Remember good defensive driving rules Lock vehicle doors while you drive Keep a reasonable following distance from the car ahead of you People who cannot control their anger while driving put everyone on the road in danger, and their behavior causes auto accidents. Your best bet is to keep your distance from these drivers So their terrible day doesn’t ruin yours. Governing our Emotional Responses When we Drive Aggressive driving often begets aggression in response, leading to further danger of auto accidents. Half of the drivers surveyed replied that when they are victims of aggressive driving, they respond with their own aggressive actions. While you may be a perfectly polite and calm driver most of the time, it’s only human to feel anger when someone else puts us in danger by careless and aggressive actions. We can’t control what other drivers will do, but we can control how we respond. And this may be the difference between a collision and a close call. Avoiding road rage and aggressive driving is all our responsibility. If you respond to aggression with aggression and an accident results from your actions, you’ll likely be held at least partially liable for damages and subject to legal action. This may result in a charge of reckless driving – a class B misdemeanor in Utah. You could face up to six months in jail, $1,000 in fines, and/or a three-month driving suspension. When someone cuts you off, you’ll never even the score by driving aggressively in response. You’ll only be putting your own safety at risk. If you do encounter aggressive drivers, here are a few responses to aggression that will be more productive: Avoid reacting to aggressive behaviors in manners that could be seen as threatening, such as braking suddenly, honking the horn, or using obscene gestures Increase the distance between you and the other driver Take down their license plate number (if you can safely) and report the dangerous activity If an aggressive driver follows you, drive to a police station for help Use breathing exercises to reduce aggressive feelings Continue driving defensively Injured in a Car accident? Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Of course, avoiding road rage and aggressive driving is ideal, but these things can’t always be avoided. If you have been in an auto accident involving aggressive driving or road rage, the anxiety, fear, and frustration can be overwhelming even months and years after the accident. You don’t have to go through this alone. Having competent legal counsel during this time can help you recover financially, allowing you to focus on physical and emotional healing. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has the experience to help you get the best possible outcome. We know Utah’s legal landscape; we are familiar with the system’s intricacies that will influence your case’s outcome. Contact us as soon as possible after your accident so we can help you get things moving in your favor. Even if you think the facts are clear-cut, you may need to fight for what
How Do I Look Up an Accident Report
The average person will experience about four accidents throughout their lifetime, so it’s a good idea to understand how an accident report works. Accidents, no matter how serious, are hectic and confusing. An accident report helps to clarify the details of the crash so that you can receive fair compensation. We’re sharing all the information you need to know about these reports to help ease the stress of your next collision. Why an Accident Report Matters After a traffic accident, a police report is essential as it serves as a standardized method of communication to all concerned parties. Insurance companies, legal teams, actuaries, and other professionals will benefit from this concise data. Accident reports also help communicate your side of the story to the police. If you call officers to the scene, they will be able to attest to the realities concerning fault, damages, and injuries. What Is Included in an Accident Report? The officer at the scene will investigate the accident and report the following information: Approximate date, time, and location of the collision Identifying information for all involved parties Eyewitness identification and statements Location of vehicle damage Weather, roadway, and visibility conditions Statements from involved parties Citations and law violations Cause of the collision and fault determination according to the officer’s opinion How to Get a Copy of Your Accident Report You will need a copy of your accident report to file an insurance claim, but how do you obtain one? This process depends on the state in which the incident occurred, but in general, you can find your report online. In the state of Utah, the easiest way to get a copy of your accident report is through the Department of Public Safety’s online portal. You will need your name, driver’s license number, case number, and the date of the accident to access the report. You can then have it mailed to you or print it from home. Read Your Accident Report and Check the Facts After you obtain a copy of your accident report, it is crucial to take a thorough read of the document. If you notice any discrepancies, you must contact the police department through their non-emergency number to start the process of having the report amended. A lawyer is a very helpful tool in ensuring these errors are corrected. Typographical errors, such as misspellings of a name, do not have a significant effect on the case; however, informational exclusions or miscommunications are serious issues that should be amended. What to Do If You Do Not Have an Accident Report Failing to report an accident could give your insurance company an easy reason to deny your claim. If you do not file a police report at the scene of the incident, at least make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You should also photograph any damage and write down the time, date, and location of the accident. You can always take this information to a police station later to file an official statement. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help If you have been involved in an automobile crash and have concerns about your accident report, the personal injury attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here for you. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our team will fight to help you receive the compensation you deserve after your accident. We have offices located in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
When Is the Most Dangerous Time for a Truck Accident?
A truck accident can occur anywhere and at any time of day, but statistics show that the afternoon poses the biggest threat to vehicle operators. Continue reading to learn more about the trends that plague U.S. motorways and what you can do to stay safe on the road. When Do Most Truck Accidents Occur? It would stand to reason that most truck accidents would happen during times with low visibility, such as nighttime, or during heavy traffic; however, the opposite is true. According to 2019 data from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, most of these collisions occur between the hours of noon and 3:00 p.m. Consequently, this resulted in 718 deaths. The least hazardous time to drive lands between midnight and 3:00 a.m., which resulted in 8 percent of all truck-related deaths. Truck Accident Trends Despite state and federal government efforts, the frequency of truck accidents continues to increase. In 2019, the number of people who died in large truck crashes was 31 percent higher than it had been a decade prior. The total number of deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents was 4,119. Common Causes of Truck Accidents The time of day is a valid consideration when it comes to trucking accidents, but there are many other causes, including: Driver error Distracted driving Inexperience Fatigue Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo Tips for Avoiding a Truck Accident Whether you are operating a small automobile or a high-occupancy vehicle, understanding how to keep yourself safe on the road is paramount. The following are tips that all vehicle operators should follow to avoid the probability of a truck accident: Pay attention to the road at all times. Avoid distractions such as eating, using a cell phone, or fidgeting with a navigation system. Keep a safe distance when driving near trucks. These heavy vehicles need more time to slow down and stop, so avoid tailgating. If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, you are following too closely. In addition to keeping a safe distance, you should also avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots. When changing lanes in front of a truck, use clear signals and allow plenty of room. If possible, you should not change lanes in front of a truck when going uphill or downhill. Watch for flying debris as you travel near a truck. If you maintain a safe distance, you will have a better chance of safely evading airborne objects. Adequate spacing will also pay off in the event of a blown-out tire or high winds. Receive Help After a Truck Accident with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, the attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help. Our team has spent over 25 years assisting Utah citizens after traffic collisions and would love to help you receive the compensation you deserve. We have offices in Saratoga Springs, West Jordan, and Provo, Utah. Connect with us to receive your free case evaluation today.
Is It Necessary to File a Police Report After a Truck Accident?
First of all, the answer to the question is unequivocal YES! People who drive trucks feel invincible because they’re inside a vehicle that’s bigger than most of the other cars on the road. However, since semi-trucks are bigger and heavier than any other vehicle on the road, they’re more likely to cause an accident. When truck accidents occur, the truck causes severe damage to anything that it strikes. Worst of all, truck accident injuries can be more severe than those that result from a car-on-car wreck. Disastrous truck accidents usually result in broken bones, deep cuts, brain injuries, paralysis, and even death. It’s essential to file a police report following a truck accident immediately. The Severity of Truck Accidents Accidents involving a truck are more likely to result in death or severe injuries than accidents that occur between two small cars. According to the National Institute of Traffic and Highway Safety, victims hit by a truck accounted for 73% of all truck crash injuries and deaths. Speeding is the leading cause of truck accidents in the United States. Process of Filing a Police Report If you haven’t been involved in a truck accident before, you probably aren’t familiar with filing a police report, which is a document drafted up when a crime is reported to the police. Police reports usually contain the victim’s name, the perpetrator’s name, the type of offense, and the names of any potential witnesses. When it comes to truck accidents, police reports also document the location where the accident took place, the date and time of the accident, any damage to the cars involved, and any injuries sustained by drivers or witnesses. Although you’re making phone calls to your insurance company and scheduling doctor’s appointments, you need to prioritize filing your police report first and foremost. This is an overwhelming time for you, but once you submit a police report, you’ll be eligible to receive fair compensation for your injuries. Importance of Filing a Police Report Even if the truck accident didn’t result in significant damages, it’s still necessary to file a police report. Submitting a police report strengthens your case in court if you plan on seeking compensation. Moreover, not every injury presents physical symptoms immediately. Many victims are prone to thinking they have not sustained any injuries after an accident but then experience severe pain days later. The same stands true for your vehicle. Although your car may appear relatively unscathed, documenting supporting evidence of the accident will make it easier to recover expenses if you discover that your vehicle is damaged. In the event you are at fault of the accident, it’s still equally important to file a police report. You don’t know the other driver’s intentions, and there’s a chance they may exaggerate the accident or fake injuries. Having a police report on file can save you from being financially responsible for non-existent injuries. Reach Out to Us Today If you were recently involved in a truck accident, through no fault of your own, you need time to mentally and physically recuperate. In the meantime, we could take care of the burden by filing a lawsuit. Work with an experienced personal injury attorney to receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today to work with a veteran personal injury lawyer.
Rear-End Truck Crashes Prove Fatal
Rear-end collisions between trucks and motor vehicles can have devastating effects. Of the 400,000 truck accidents per year, 18 percent are rear-end crashes. Most of these accidents are attributed to trucks hitting motor vehicles. Many of the fatal rear-end collisions involved multiple vehicles. 18 percent of truck-attributed accidents involved three or more vehicles, where as multiple vehicles comprised only five percent of rear-end accidents caused by motor vehicles. Of fatal rear-end collisions, about 46 percent involved multiple (at least three) vehicles. This disparity is likely due to the sheer weight and size differences between large trucks and passenger cars. Typically, an 18-wheeler will not stop or even slowdown when it hits a car, allowing it to continue on its path and hit other vehicles. A car, however, will usually stop when it collides with a truck. Rear-End Collisions and Contributing Factors Defective equipment or poor truck maintenance may contribute to rear-end crashes. Brake problems, including brake safety violations, were a factor in 53 percent of truck accidents according to a study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Problems with truck lighting such as turn signals, marker lights and headlights have also been associated with contributing to rear-end truck accidents. Drivers under the influence while behind the wheel may also contribute to rear-end collisions. Alcohol use was found more prevalent in motor vehicle drivers that collided with trucks (2.1 percent) than in truck drivers that hit other vehicles (0.02 percent). In fatal crashes, the number of motor vehicle drivers drinking while driving increased to 15.5 percent. Drivers: Stay Vigilant and Know Your Rights Drivers can protect themselves from truck crashes by always keeping a safe distance between themselves and commercial vehicles. It takes trucks longer to stop than smaller vehicles and drivers must always be prepared to stop when they are behind an 18-wheeler. Large trucks may perform differently than cars, so remain alert when approaching large trucks and avoid their blind spots. Truck drivers that operate their vehicles negligently or carelessly are an extreme hazard to all motorists on the highway. Trucking accidents can cause serious injury and damage due to their large size, particularly when traveling at high speeds. A person injured in a motor vehicle collision involving a commercial truck may be entitled to compensation for their losses. Damages may include payment for medical bills and pain and suffering. An injured victim should consult with a personal injury attorney to learn more about protecting their rights and holding the responsible party accountable.
Drivers Must Be Aware of Dangers Posed by Commercial Truck Accidents
The number of drivers on our roadways is constantly increasing. Motorists in small passenger vehicles must share the roads with large commercial trucks. This poses some unique safety risks that all drivers must be aware of when operating any motor vehicle. There are federal safety rules in place for drivers of large trucks aimed at increasing safety and reducing commercial vehicle accidents. These rules are important for protecting both truck drivers and the public in general. Unfortunately, when these basic safety rules are not followed, tragic accidents are often the result. Safety Regulations for Commercial Truck Drivers The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations that limit when and how long a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver may drive. These limits are in place to ensure that drivers get enough rest between shifts to operate a vehicle safety and to limit the number of truck-related accidents and fatalities. The rules vary slightly depending on if the CMV driver is carrying passengers or property. However, all CMV drivers have a limit of 60/70 hours on duty during a 7/8 day period (consecutive days). Additionally, drivers carrying property may have a 14 hour on-duty shift, but cannot drive more than 11 hours of that time (after 10 hours off-duty) and drivers carrying passengers cannot drive more than 10 hours during a 15 hour on-duty shift (after 8 hours off-duty). Also, drivers must have 34 hours off-duty when finishing a 60/70 on-duty time period, often called a 34-hour restart. Drivers that fail to follow HOS rules may face fines and additional consequences by state law enforcement and the FMCSA. Unfortunately, compliance with HOS rules can be difficult to verify. Currently CMV drivers are required to log their time and many drivers do this honestly and diligently. Alas, there are some drivers who keep incorrect log information or multiple sets of logbooks. There are numerous reasons for failing to follow HOS rules, from taking additional shifts for monetary gain to pressure on drivers from trucking companies. Currently the FMCSA is considering proposed changes to the HOS rules, including additional limits to on-duty and driving time for CMV drivers. Final rulings on the possible HOS regulation changes should take place on July 26, 2011. Common Causes of Commercial Trucking Accidents There are many factors that lead to motor vehicle accidents, including inattentive or distracted drivers and hazardous road conditions. However, there are some common causes particular to large trucks that often lead to accidents with smaller passenger vehicles. Some common causes of truck accidents may include: Jackknifing or turning accidents Driver fatigue Drivers ignoring or failing to follow hours of service regulations Misloaded, overloaded or improperly loaded rigs Improperly maintained trucks Poor or inadequate driver training Drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs Failing to obey traffic rules, such as speeding Reckless or aggressive driving behavior Failing to follow appropriate precautions due to weather conditions Drivers of passenger vehicles must also exercise caution when sharing the road with an 18-wheeler. Drivers must remember that large trucks have certain limitations due to their weight and size, including limited visibility and more time required to brake and accelerate. When other motorists forget these limitations and pull out in front of a truck or drive too closely behind or beside a commercial vehicle (driving in “no zones”), accidents can occur. Severe Injuries Caused by Car vs. Truck Accidents Accidents between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles often result in severe injuries, and in some cases death. The main reason for the severity of injuries is due to the disparity in weight and size of large trucks (typically around 80,000 pounds, depending on the type of freight) and passenger vehicles (typically around 3,000 pounds). Based on this difference, smaller passenger cars often don’t stand a chance when involved in an accident with a large truck, semi or tractor-trailer. As a result, driver and passengers often suffer catastrophic injuries. Some common types of injuries suffered by accident victims include brain injuries, neck, back or spine injuries, burns, disfigurement, organ damage, amputation and paralysis. Truck Accident Victims Entitled to Compensation If you have been injured due to an accident involving a commercial truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Likewise, if your loved one has been injured, you may be entitled to pursue damages on his or her behalf. The damages available will depend on the nature and extent of the injuries. Some common types of compensation may include, lost wages, loss of future income, current and future medical costs, loss of quality of life, disfigurement and pain and suffering. If the injuries sustained in a trucking accident prove fatal, the decedent’s family members may also be entitled to damages for their own losses, including loss of consortium. It is important to speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident in the injuries suffered. A lawyer can investigate your claim, answer any questions you may have and help you determine the best legal option for you and your family.