Traffic, the mistakes of other motorists, and tight schedules can be very frustrating and may make driving an unpleasant experience. Unfortunately, some motorists will respond to these situations with road rage and may want to intimidate or harm other drivers on the road. This type of aggressive driving puts other motorists at risk and results in many motor vehicle fatalities all over the country each year. 

The Dangers of Aggressive Driving 

An impatient motorist or aggressive driver will deliberately commit traffic offenses that have dangerous consequences, including severe injuries and traffic fatalities. An aggressive person behind the wheel may show their recklessness by:

Passing in zones where it’s prohibited

• Blocking vehicles, or they may block lanes, attempting to change lanes or pass other vehicles
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Making lane changes without signaling 
• Cutting off drivers
• Ignoring traffic signs and traffic lights 
• Tailgating 
• Driving over the speed limit

An angry driver can try to further intimidate other motorists on the road by attacking them physically or verbally. While driving aggressively is considered a traffic offense, road rage has the potential to result in criminal offenses. Both types of driving can have negative consequences for everyone on the road and can result in severe injuries. 

90% of motorists admit to using some form of aggressive driving. Typically, this involves flashing headlights or tailgating. Unfortunately, each year the cause of accidents due to aggressive driving has increased significantly. 

The dangers of aggressive driving can make it unsafe for all motorists and passengers on the road and may have deadly consequences. 

The dangers of driving aggressively include:

Auto Accidents 

Motor vehicle accidents happen every day. The severity of traffic collisions can vary. However, auto accidents caused by an aggressive high-risk driver often involve higher speeds, which can have deadly consequences. If you are involved in a traffic accident and plan to file an injury claim, speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can significantly increase your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries and other damages. 

Road Injuries & Fatalities 

Two out of three auto accident fatalities are due to aggressive driving. Over 29,000 people die in auto accidents each year. Of these auto accident victims, over 65% will die due injuries sustained in aggresive driving accidents. 

Jail Time and Penalities-Criminal Offense 

Driving aggressively is a ticketable traffic offense. The speeding driver can get a traffic ticket for aggressive driving behavior and will be required to pay steep fines. They will also lose points on their license. Severe penalties can also include jail time, anger management classes, and a suspended license. 

How to Deal with an Aggressive Driver 

Finding yourself in the middle of a stressful driving situation with an aggressive person can be terrifying for most motorists. If you find yourself dealing with this type of driver, there are some simple steps you can follow to keep yourself safe. 

• Remain calm
• Do not block the passing lane 
• Contact your local police department or 911 to report the incident and take notes on the direction and location of travel and take down their license plate number. 
• Make sure your seat belt is fastened 
• Try to be empathetic toward the other driver who may be suffering from a mental illness or may be having a very bad day 
• Ignore any verbal attacks or rude gestures and avoid engaging the other driver 
• Avoid making eye contact with the other driver 

If the situation seems to be escalating, you may be tempted to pull over or exit the freeway to get away from the aggressive motorist. However, an extremely aggressive driver may use this opportunity to follow you. Stay on the road and try to remain calm, contact the police and avoid engaging with this especially aggressive driver at all costs. 

How You Can Avoid Driving Aggressively

Anyone behind the wheel can become aggressive. Because of this, it’s important to recognize the factors that can impact your mood on the road. You may be stuck in heavy traffic on a hot day, had an especially bad day at work, or something may have happened at home or in your personal life. Regardless, if your emotions take over your driving, use these tips to regain control:

• Avoid speeding and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. This can help reduce your stress levels.
• Follow traffic signs and traffic lights. Do not speed up when you see a light turn yellow. 
• Concentrate on the road, not your thoughts, phone, or another type of distraction. 
• Don’t allow the behaviors of other drivers on the road to affect your mood. Keep a defensive driving attitude instead. 
• If you feel yourself becoming angry, take deep breathes and try to relax your body. 
• If provoked by another driver, practic patience and keep your attention on the road. 
• If you’re unable to get your anger under control, pull over and take time to cool off before you get back on the road. 

Driver Safety 

Always remember, everyone has good and bad days behind the wheel. Unfortunately, some motorists will take their bad mood out on other drivers with risky driving behavior, which can have deadly consequences. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation with an aggressive driver and the situation continues to escalate, contact 911 and avoid engaging with the driver. Following the tips in this article can help keep you and your family safe, should you find yourself on the road with an aggressive driver and can help prevent the situation from escalating and turning deadly.