How to Handle an Aggressive Driver

Studies show that most of us have encountered an aggressive driver while on the road. While these incidents are common, they can feel personal and even scary when you’re the one experiencing it. Thankfully, there are a few strategies you can use to handle an aggressive driver. Of course, if you find yourself in a true emergency situation, call 911.

Correct Any Mistakes You Can

Before we talk about what the other driver is doing, ask yourself first if you are contributing to an unsafe situation. While aggressive driving is always wrong, some people’s buttons are more easily pushed. Studies show that there are a few common triggers for aggressive driving. These include:

• Cutting other drivers off
• Driving distracted
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Driving slow in the passing or carpool lanes
• Tailgating

If there is a way to correct your behavior, do so. Move into the right lane, give the driver some space, and put down the phone. While the other driver may be overreacting, do your part to not provoke the situation further.

Do Not Engage an Angry Driver

By engaging an angry driver, you are adding fuel to a fire. And you really have no idea how large that fire may spread. Studies show that a firearm is present in a about 37% of aggressive driving incidents. Do not underestimate the other driver’s potential to cause harm.

Here are some ways you can avoid engaging:

• Do not make eye contact with the other driver.
• Do not attempt to get out of your car and approach the other driver.
• Refrain from making obscene gestures.
• Do not respond with aggressive or petty driving behaviors.
• Avoid honking (except to alert other cars to a potentially dangerous situation).

It may be incredibly tempting to respond when another driver is behaving poor. Consider ahead of time what your “go to” response will be the next time you encounter an aggressive driver.

Allow Space for the Driver to Pass

One of the most dangerous places you can be is directly in front of an angry driver. Work to remove yourself from this position as soon as possible.

Move to the right lane and allow the driver to pass. Do not attempt to follow them or engage in any way.

In some situations, you may want to pull over entirely. If so, take care where you do this. A busy parking lot, a police station or other well-lit, public space may work. Remember, sometimes a driver may be angry enough to want to pull over and engage with you further. Be careful to not put yourself in a vulnerable situation.

When to Call 911 or Emergency Help

If the situation continues to escalate or you feel the driver is about to cause a wreck, call 9-1-1. Do your best to get vehicle information, including the license plate number. If there is a passenger in the car, have them do this so you can focus on driving.

Remember, don’t drive home if you’re being followed. Call 911 and get to a police station or somewhere safe.

When You’re the Aggressive Driver

It’s easy to think about other people being aggressive drivers than ourselves. But we’ve all experienced frustration at a longer-than-normal commute, unexpected traffic, road construction, running late, or getting cut off.

Here are a few ways you can keep your emotions in check when behind the wheel:

• Get a good night’s sleep. You’re able to function your best when you’re well rested. (Plus, driving while drowsy is dangerous!)
• Play calm music or listen to a podcast. Put on something that makes you feel relaxed or OK with spending extra time in the car. Save the death metal music for another time.
• Leave early. Remove the stress of racing the clock. By giving yourself extra time, you’ll be less stressed if you encounter unexpected traffic.
• Humanize other drivers. It’s easier to think of cars on the road, than the people behind the wheel. Change your mindset.

It never hurts to take a few deep breaths before getting behind the wheel. Make sure your attitude is in check to share the road with all kinds of drivers and scenarios. Are you prepared to be a polite and patient driver?

It’s Not About Winning

Remember, this isn’t about winning. It’s getting home safe to your family.  Do all you can to keep that perspective when navigating an unsafe driver.

For more information on handling an aggressive driving situation, see the NHTSA, the DOL, and AAA websites.

In spite of your best efforts, sometimes bad things happen. If you’ve been the victim of someone’s road rage, our Tacoma attorneys at Ladenburg Law would like to hear about it. Please call us today for a no-fee, no-obligation quote.