5 Ways to Deal With Aggressive Drivers

Avoid Eye Contact and Gestures

An aggressive driver is typically an agitated driver. It’s important to avoid eye contact and refrain from making annoyed or inflammatory gestures. These non-verbal cues may be perceived as a threat or further agitate an aggressive driving and can potentially make the situation worse. Ensure your safety, and anyone who may be in the vehicle with you, by avoiding eye contact and non-verbal gestures to the other driver.

Change Lanes

When you encounter an aggressive driver tailing too close to your bumper, it’s wise to change lanes. Even if the other driver is going at an insane excess of the speed limit, moving over into another lane can help you avoid a potential accident. Drivers who are worried about missing their exit, or who are worried about being late, may drive more aggressively. It’s important not only to avoid driving too close to drivers in this state, but also to be aware of road changes and exits to ensure you are driving safely and courteously.

Be Prepared

Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your location so if a driver cuts you off or otherwise engages in aggressive driving, you can change lanes, slow down, or take an alternate route to avoid an accident and get to your destination safely. Be aware of how the other drivers are reacting when traffic changes or when you change freeways. Take a deep breath and remind yourself to stay calm if you are cut off, tailgated, or otherwise threatened by aggressive driving.

Know Your Driving Habits

Consider your driving habits to ensure you are being a respectful and safe driver. Sometimes drivers can be incited by perceived rudeness, even if it was accidental. Be courteous to other drivers by only driving in passing lanes for their intended use. Cut back on dangerous habits like talking on your cell phone or eating while you’re driving. Follow traffic patterns, know the traffic laws, and use proper driving practices such as using your turn signal and checking your blind spots.

Engage in Safety Precautions

If you are ever confronted by an enraged or aggressive driver, you need to engage in immediate safety precautions. Do not leave your car or you are vulnerable to a possible attack. Instead, lock your doors and call 911 for emergency help immediately. If an aggressive driver follows you, make sure to pull over in a public, well-lit area and call for help.

There is no way of knowing when you may encounter an irritated or downright aggressive driver. Drive safely and courteously, be a defensive driver, remain aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to handle an aggressive driver while on the road.

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