A Look at The Difference Between Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Ladyblogger
December 25, 2012

At any given time there are multiple motorists who are driving in an unsafe manner. Although speeding is tied with DUIs as the number one cause of traffic accidents in the U.S., aggressive driving is also linked to a large number of incidents. In fact, aggressive drivers are the primary cause of accidents during rush hour, and approximately 10 percent of those will lead to a second crash.

What Exactly is Aggressive Driving?

People who are driving in an aggressive manner are usually trying to get to their destination by an unrealistic time frame. Therefore, they tend to take a lot of risks in an attempt to make up for lost time. It is common for aggressive drivers to tailgate, switch lanes suddenly, fail to use their turn signal and speed. Although a lot of people associate the accidents that happen as a result of aggressive driving with speeding, there is usually a lot more to it. Aggressive drivers will also blatantly break the law by driving down the shoulder of an expressway to get away from congestion. Not only is this behavior rude, but it can also lead to an accident.

Is It Better to Speed than to Drive Aggressively?

Although aggressive drivers are usually speeding, a lot of people who speed do not exhibit any other signs of aggressive behavior. Therefore, most people probably assume that it is okay to speed if they are not an aggressive driver. The problem with this thought process, however, is that an average of 40 percent of the annual traffic fatalities in the U.S. are directly linked to speeding. Even though some of the speeding drivers might have also been driving in an aggressive manner, it was their speed that was the biggest culprit in causing the death of another individual. This does not mean that it is better to drive aggressively, though. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 1,900 people are killed each year by an aggressive driver. In other words, both aggressive driving and speeding are a very dangerous habit.

What are the Penalties for Speeding and Aggressive Driving?

Only 15 states have passed specific legislation about aggressive driving, but all 50 states have specific laws against speeding. North Carolina is one of the states that has an anti-aggressive driving law. In order to get a ticket, you have to exhibit at least two of the behaviors that are associated with aggressive driving. North Carolina law enables officers to issue a citation and five points to anyone who is pulled over for driving in an aggressive manner. If you get a NC speeding ticket 20 over the posted speed limit, the base ticket fee ranges from $10 – $250, before additional county and court fees are added on. Because it is possible to get a ticket for both speeding and aggressive driving at the same time, you could be faced with a large fine and several points. Accruing 12 points in a one year time period will cause your license to become suspended.

If you see other motorists driving very quickly or erratically, it is best to get out of their way. After all, an aggressive driver is definitely in a hurry to get somewhere, and this could cause them to get into an accident and possibly involve you as well. Steering clear of drivers like this is your best avoidance of getting involved in a multiple car wreck.

Anthony Joseph is a freelance writer, and contributes this article to help promote safe driving. If you or someone you know has received a NC speeding ticket 20 over the speed limit, they would be in a position to get their drivers license revoked. Powers McMartan in North Carolina offers a free consultation, and the firm is known for aggressively defending people charged with speeding ticket violations.