AAA Survey Finds 96% of Drivers Admit to Aggressive Driving

In South Carolina, this conduct is defined as reckless driving and can lead to severe civil liability

Most people consider themselves responsible drivers. They follow the rules, drive defensively, and want to get where they’re going safely. Unfortunately, not everyone shares that mindset.

A recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey found that 96 percent of U.S. drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors in the past year. That includes speeding, tailgating, cutting others off, and, in some cases, escalating into road rage.

For many South Carolina drivers, this statistic isn’t just surprising; it is personal. Every day, careful drivers are forced to share the road with others who let impatience or anger dictate their actions. When that happens, one reckless decision can have lifelong consequences.

Aggressive driving is not a small issue

Aggressive driving affects everyone who uses South Carolina’s roads, from daily commuters to families on their way to school or vacation. What begins as frustration or distraction can quickly turn into behavior that endangers others, leaving victims to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial fallout of someone else’s temper.

When that happens, a South Carolina car accident lawyer can help crash victims understand their rights, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation from the driver who caused the crash.

The rise of aggression behind the wheel

According to AAA, a small but alarming number of drivers even reported violent behaviors such as intentionally following another vehicle, throwing objects, or trying to run someone off the road. These are not isolated incidents. Roughly one in five drivers said they personally knew someone threatened with a weapon during a road rage encounter, and 12 percent knew someone who had been injured or killed.

The problem is not limited to big cities or congested highways. Across South Carolina, from Beaufort’s back roads to I-95 and Highway 278 near Bluffton and Hilton Head, frustration builds when traffic slows and tempers flare.

AAA’s research shows that the strongest predictor of aggressive driving is seeing others act aggressively. In other words, hostility on the road spreads quickly, forming a cycle that endangers everyone around it.

For the innocent driver caught in the middle, that behavior is more than just rude; it is dangerous. Victims of aggressive driving are often blindsided, left to cope with injuries and losses they had no power to prevent. When the cause of a crash stems from aggression, it becomes critical to treat it not as an accident but as the result of a conscious disregard for safety.

What aggressive driving looks like

Aggressive driving can take many forms, and understanding what it looks like helps victims recognize when another driver’s choices caused their crash. It is not a single bad habit or mistake but a pattern of behavior that puts everyone else at risk. Identifying these actions can also make it easier to prove fault after a collision and hold the responsible driver accountable.

Common aggressive driving actions include:

• Tailgating or following too closely: Reduces reaction time and often leads to rear-end collisions.
• Excessive speeding: Increases the force of impact and reduces the ability to avoid sudden changes in traffic.
• Frequent lane changes or cutting off others: Creates unpredictable movements that trigger chain-reaction crashes.
• Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs: Endangers pedestrians and cross traffic, particularly at intersections.
• Yelling, honking, or gesturing at other drivers: Escalates tension and distracts everyone nearby.

These behaviors may seem fleeting, but they leave lasting consequences. Victims often face serious injuries such as broken bones, brain trauma, or spinal cord damage that can alter their lives in an instant.

In many cases, proving that another driver was acting aggressively can strengthen a personal injury claim and lead to fairer compensation. A South Carolina car accident lawyer can help identify these patterns in the evidence and ensure the responsible driver is held accountable.

Crash victims deserve justice

Aggressive driving is more than poor judgment; it is a violation of the duty every driver owes to others. South Carolina law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. When this behavior causes an injury, it can support both criminal penalties and a civil claim for damages.

Victims deserve more than an apology. They deserve recognition of what they’ve endured and the resources to rebuild their lives. Holding aggressive drivers accountable not only provides justice but also sends a message that road rage and recklessness will not be ignored.

Proving aggressive driving takes evidence and experience. An attorney can track down evidence showing exactly how the crash happened and who was responsible. Each detail matters and can strengthen the claim for compensation.

Evidence a lawyer can use to prove aggressive driving includes:

• Dashcam or surveillance footage: Captures speeding, tailgating, or weaving before the crash.
• Eyewitness statements: Confirm the driver’s erratic or threatening behavior.
• Police crash reports: Include officer observations and any citations for reckless driving.
• Vehicle data and black box records: Show speed, braking, and acceleration before impact.
• Cell phone records: Reveal distraction or communication tied to road rage.
• Traffic or intersection cameras: Provide visual proof of unsafe maneuvers.

This evidence can reveal patterns of recklessness that insurance companies might try to downplay. A South Carolina car accident lawyer can manage the investigation, secure key records, and use the facts to build a strong case for full compensation.

Holding aggressive drivers accountable

Our attorneys at Twenge + Twombley Law Firm understand how quickly one moment of aggression can turn into tragedy. We have represented victims of serious car crashes throughout Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and across South Carolina, helping them recover compensation for their injuries and losses.

Our approach focuses on personalized attention, strategic advocacy, and results that make a difference for the people we serve.

Every crash case is different, but time is always important. The sooner an investigation begins, the stronger the claim. Physical evidence fades, witnesses forget, and insurance companies act fast to protect their bottom line. Contacting us early can help preserve critical details and ensure that you are treated fairly.

Aggressive drivers may not think about the consequences of their actions, but crash victims live with them every day. If you were hurt because another driver lost control, contact us for a free consultation. Our legal team can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.

"I was referred to this law firm through a family member about two years ago. My experience with them was EXCELLENT. They listen to your issues; very quick with getting back to you. Their knowledge of the justice system for my family has been more exceptional with all we have gone through in our time of need. They were with us every step of the way through this process." - Jacquette R., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐