Behaviors associated with aggressive driving may include:
- Speeding
- Running stop signs and red lights
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Failure to yield
- Passing on the shoulder of the road
- Cutting off other drivers
- Slamming on brakes in front of a tailgater
- Improper hand and facial gestures at other drivers
- Yelling at other drivers
- Honking the horn repeatedly
- Flashing headlights repeatedly
More extreme behaviors associated with aggressive driving and road rage may include:
- Pursuing another car in chase
- Leaving your car and engaging in a verbal dispute
- Intentionally bumping or ramming another car
- Intentionally running another car off the road
- Physically assaulting another driver as a result of a traffic incident
- Using a car as a weapon
- Displaying a weapon
- Firing a gun or using another weapon
- Stalking another driver
According to AAA, weapons used by aggressive drivers have included the following:
- Firearms
- Fists and feet
- Tire irons and jack handles (readily accessible in most vehicles)
- Baseball bats
- Knives (including bayonets, ice picks, razor blades and swords)
- Thrown objects (beer and liquor bottles, rocks, coins, soda cans, garbage and partially eaten foods)
- Other clubs (crowbars, lead pipes, batons, 4"x 4" timbers, canes, tree limbs, wrenches, hatchets and golf clubs)
- Defensive sprays (mace and pepper spray)
Avoid Becoming an Aggressive Driver
- Keep your emotions in check. Don’t take your frustrations out on other drivers.
- Plan ahead and allow enough time for delays.
- Focus on your own driving. Yelling, pounding on the steering wheel and honking your horn won’t make traffic move any faster.
How to Avoid Danger
First, be a cautious, considerate driver. Avoid creating a situation that may provoke another motorist.
- Don’t tailgate or flash your lights at another driver.
- If you’re in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let the driver pass you.
- Use your horn sparingly.
Second, if you do encounter an angry driver, don’t make matters worse by triggering a confrontation.
- Avoid eye contact.
- Steer clear and give angry drivers plenty of room.
- Don’t make inappropriate hand or facial gestures.
- If you’re concerned for your safety, call 9-1-1.
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