Personal Injury Law Blog

Driving is a necessity for Illinois residents, but for many, it has also become a source of stress and frustration. Heavy traffic, tight schedules, and inconsiderate drivers can push emotions to the limit, sometimes leading to dangerous behavior on the road. While most drivers can control their tempers, some engage in aggressive driving or even road rage, escalating minor disputes into life-threatening situations.

A tragic road rage incident in Macoupin County recently resulted in the death of a vehicle occupant, underscoring the dangers of aggressive driving. The Illinois State Police reported that the fatal crash occurred on Fosterburg Road near Brighton Bunker Hill Road. While authorities are still investigating the accident, they suspect that road rage played a role. The incident is a stark reminder of how quickly reckless behavior behind the wheel can result in deadly consequences.

An Alarming Increase in Aggressive Driving

A Pew Research Center survey found that nearly half of Americans believe driving has become more dangerous in the past few years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as increased stress and traffic congestion on roadways may contribute to this troubling trend.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving behaviors have been linked to a rise in fatal crashes. Such behaviors include excessive speeding, tailgating, and erratic lane changes. While aggressive driving can sometimes be classified as reckless driving, road rage takes it a step further. Road rage refers to deliberate, violent acts committed by drivers or passengers, such as ramming another vehicle or engaging in physical altercations.

The Deadly Consequences of Road Rage

Unlike reckless driving, which often involves risky behaviors without the intent to harm, road rage is characterized by purposeful aggression. A driver experiencing road rage may dangerously cut off another vehicle, follow too closely or even force another driver off the road. These actions significantly increase the likelihood of collisions, some of which may even be fatal.

While road rage accounts for some dangerous driving incidents, reckless driving remains a significant problem across the country. Reckless driving includes behaviors such as speeding, running red lights and weaving in and out of traffic without signaling. Speeding is far more likely to contribute to fatal crashes compared to other types of motor vehicle collisions.

The Pew Research Center survey found that speeding was a factor in 27.8 percent of fatal crashes in 2022, marking an increase from pre-pandemic levels. Hit-and-run accidents have also surged, with 14.5 percent of fatal crashes that year involving a driver who fled the scene. These numbers illustrate the serious risks posed by reckless drivers, who put not only themselves in danger but also other motorists and pedestrians.

The Impact of Distracted and Impaired Driving

Beyond aggressive and reckless driving, distracted and impaired driving continue to be major contributors to fatal crashes. The rise of smartphone use while driving correlates to an increase in distraction-related accidents. In 2022 alone, distracted driving was cited as a factor in 7.8 percent of fatal crashes. According to the NHTSA, smartphones were involved in a little over 12 percent of deadly accidents related to distracted driving that year.

Meanwhile, impaired driving remains one of the deadliest traffic offenses. Over 31 percent of fatal crashes in 2022 involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Despite public awareness campaigns and stricter DUI penalties, impaired driving is still a leading cause of roadway deaths, showing that more must be done to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

Legal Options for Families of Fatal Crash Victims

When a loved one is killed in a crash caused by road rage, reckless driving or impairment, families have legal options to seek justice. Wrongful death claims can help surviving family members recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income and emotional suffering.

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand the devastating impact of fatal crashes on families. Our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys are committed to helping victims’ relatives hold negligent drivers accountable. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.