Driving can be scary when you are around aggressive drivers. Having children or elderly parents who you know could encounter aggressive drivers on the roads can also be worrisome. It is good to be on the lookout for aggressive drivers because this behavior often leads to accidents.
Signs of an aggressive driver
Aggressive driving is defined as any unsafe driving behavior that is performed with bad intent or disregard for the safety of others. Examples of aggressive driving include speeding, weaving in between lanes or running red lights.
Behavior that is meant to show anger toward another driver is also considered aggressive driving. This includes horn honking, flashing headlights or slamming on brakes.
What can you do when you find yourself around an aggressive driver? The first step is to remember to not become one yourself. Follow all traffic laws and do not let anger or impatience with other drivers affect your driving.
Ignore the aggressive driver
Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver and do not engage with them. Most aggressive drivers are in a hurry, so get out of their way and let them pass you. This is all they likely want.
Sometimes the aggressive driver may appear to be targeting you personally. Do not drive to your house, work or any other place you regularly go.
Pull over into a public, safe place, preferably with other people around and call the police. Provide them with any identifying information you have, such as a vehicle description and license plate.
Take a short break from driving
An interaction with an aggressive driver can leave you feeling shaky and anxious, even after they are long gone. Consider pulling over in a safe place and calming down before continuing your drive. The leftover anxiety can increase your chance of an accident.
Aggressive driving is negligent driving. You can potentially receive compensation for damages from an accident caused by negligence through a personal injury action.