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Aggressive Driving

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Increased traffic congestion has led to stress, frustration and a lack of self-restraint for high-risk drivers. As a result, aggressive driving behavior has become an increasingly major threat to everyone on the road.

It is an emotional reaction which can occur when:

  • Drivers take other drivers’ actions personally and feel insulted, wronged, disrespected, demeaned or delayed.
  • Egos are bruised: Who does he think he is?
  • Emotions and adrenaline combine to reduce common sense and logic.

While you may be unable to will away a traffic jam or a hostile driver, you can learn how to best react to the dangers of aggressive driving — and you can assess and modify your own behavior.

Preventing Aggressive Driving
Common Aggressive Driving Behaviors What You Can Do To Avoid These Behaviors
Tailgating (following too closely) vehicles. Increase the distance between vehicles.

Driving at speeds far in excess of the speed limit.

Running stop signs and red lights.

Improper passing (passing on the shoulder of the road; cutting too close in front of another vehicle).

Slow down.

Obey all traffic laws.
Frequent and abrupt lane changes —weaving and/or failure to signal changes. Indicate your intentions.

Preventing other drivers from passing.

Flashing headlights in anger.

Sustained horn-honking.

Yelling, gesturing, or glaring at another driver to show disapproval; sudden braking.

Drive courteously.

Control your emotions.

Do not interact with an aggressive or hostile driver.

Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver.
Previous Next:  Impaired Driving
Updated Thursday, February 21, 2008
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