15 Jun Aggressive Driving

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving puts everyone on the road at risk. Speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, failing to yield, running traffic signals, and other dangerous behaviors can quickly turn an ordinary drive into a serious collision.

Traffic congestion, long commutes, running late, stress, and frustration with other drivers can all contribute to aggressive driving. While you cannot control how other people drive, you can control your own behavior and how you respond to them.

Recognize Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving may include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions.
• Following another vehicle too closely.
• Making frequent or unsafe lane changes.
• Cutting off other drivers.
• Failing to yield the right of way.
• Running red lights or ignoring traffic controls.
• Excessive horn use or flashing headlights in anger.
• Making hostile gestures or confronting other drivers.

Aggressive driving can also escalate into road rage, involving intentionally threatening or violent behavior. Never allow frustration behind the wheel to turn into a confrontation.

Keep Your Cool

One of the best ways to prevent aggressive driving is to avoid treating driving like a competition.

• Allow enough travel time so delays do not encourage speeding or risky decisions.
• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Use turn signals and allow other drivers to merge.
• Avoid unnecessary horn use, gestures, or confrontations.
• Be patient with drivers who are lost, inexperienced, or simply make a mistake.
• If you make a mistake, correct it safely and continue driving.
• Never try to punish another driver or “teach them a lesson.”

Saving a few minutes is never worth increasing the risk of a collision.

Dealing With an Aggressive Driver

If another driver becomes aggressive, do not engage.

Avoid eye contact, gestures, arguments, or retaliatory driving. Increase the distance between your vehicle and theirs, change lanes, or take another route when it is safe to do so.

If you believe another driver is following or threatening you, do not drive home or stop somewhere isolated. Drive to a well-lit public location or police station and contact law enforcement when it is safe to do so. If there is an immediate danger, call 911.

Never use a handheld phone while driving. Pull over safely or have a passenger make the call when possible.

Remember

You cannot control traffic, delays, or the behavior of other drivers—but you can control your reaction. Stay calm, give other vehicles room, avoid confrontations, and concentrate on reaching your destination safely.