A report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveal statistics that are frightening and alarming for drivers and others who use our roads each day. Research found that almost 80 percent of drivers experience road rage, aggression, or anger while driving. This is extremely troubling since aggressive driving is a major factor in traffic accidents in the United States. With more aggressive drivers on the road, the risk of being in a traffic accident increases.
What is Aggressive Driving?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as committing “moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." One of the most …show more content…
Even though you cannot control what another driver does when behind the wheel of a vehicle, you can take precautions to avoid an aggressive driving accident.
What Should I Do If I Encounter An Aggressive Driver?
The number one rule when encountering an aggressive driver is to avoid all actions which might incite or enrage the driver further. What you must remember is that you are not dealing with a rational person. An aggressive driver is not thinking clearly; therefore, using reason is not an option. Your best option is to get out of their way and avoid challenging them. You never know how another person may respond when he or she is challenged.
Therefore, slow down, change lanes, and put as much distance between you and the person who is exhibiting aggression or road rage. If you believe the driver is posing an immediate threat to others, note the make, model, and license number of the vehicle so that you can report the driver to law enforcement officers. Pull over to a safe location to call 911 to report the aggressive driver. Never confront an aggressive driver yourself and never pull over to confront a driver. This is extremely