Dealing With Aggressive Drivers

There is no single season when aggressive drivers are out in force. They are on the roads throughout the year, regardless of the weather, the day of the week or the holiday. Also, there is no single reason why they behave poorly. Aggressive driving isn't only about road rage. It's also about endangering other road-users by ignoring laws, taking risks and intimidation. When you head to the driver's seat, leave your pride behind.

BEHAVIORS OF AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER

• Running stop signs and red lights
  
• Speeding, tailgating, and weaving between lanes
  
• Passing on the right of a vehicle
  
• Making rude hand and facial gestures
  
• Driving slowly to hold the drivers that are behind
• Screaming, honking the horn, and flashing headlights WHAT TO DO

WHEN CONFRONTED BY AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER

• Make every attempt to safely move out of the aggressive driver's way.
• Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to "hold your own" in the travel lane.
  
• Always wear your seat belt - not only will it hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, but it will also protect you in a crash.
  
• Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver
  
• Ignore gestures, and refuse to return them.
  
• Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel.
  
• If you have a cellular phone, and can use it while driving safely, call the police. Many have special numbers such as 9-11 or #-7-7.
  
• If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop at a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.
  

(D0T997)