Statistics Maryland Drivers Should Know About Aggressive Driving

There are a number of dangerous behaviors that may count toward an aggressive driving violation under Maryland law. Examples include tailgating, speeding, running traffic lights and failing to yield. It is only when authorities observe three such behaviors that they can charge a driver with aggressive driving.

Between 2015 and 2019, motor vehicle accidents related to aggressive driving were on the rise in Maryland after a reduction from 2011 to 2015. One-third of all Maryland crashes involve driver aggression, and on an annual basis, approximately 3,000 deaths and injuries result from aggressive driving statewide.

WHAT CAUSES AGGRESSIVE DRIVING?

The causes behind the recent fluctuations in aggressive driving accidents in Maryland, a reduction in the first half of the decade followed by a resurgence in the latter half, are not entirely clear. Generally speaking, however, there seems to be a link between aggressive driving and more traffic. The theory is that people get frustrated with the congestion and begin behaving aggressively to try to get ahead of other drivers.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE AGGRESSIVE DRIVING ACCIDENTS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR?

Nearly half of all aggressive driving crashes in Maryland happen during the latter half of the workweek, Wednesday through Friday. With most aggressive driving crashes occurring between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., they are more likely during the evening commute than the morning one. Over 85% of all aggressive driving accidents take place in metropolitan areas such as Baltimore. Aggressive driving accidents between Friday and Sunday are more likely to prove fatal even while fewer crashes occur over the weekend.

Aggressive driving endangers everyone, not only those exhibiting the behaviors. This makes it both frightening and frustrating for those who must share the road with them.