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Aggressive Driving

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Increased traffic congestion can lead to stress, frustration and a lack of self-restraint. 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.


  • 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).


  • Frequent and abrupt lane changes — weaving and/or failure to signal changes.


  • Preventing other drivers from passing.


  • Flashing headlights in anger.


  • Sustained horn-honking.


  • Yelling, gesturing, or glaring at another driver to show disapproval; sudden braking.
  • Increase the distance between vehicles.


  • Slow down.


  • Obey all traffic laws.


  • Indicate your intentions.


  • 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, May 20, 2010
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