Steer Clear of Aggressive Driving

What is aggressive driving?

Aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle in an unsafe and hostile manner without regard for others.  Aggressive driving behavior may include: making frequent or unsafe lane changes, failing to signal or yield the right of way, tailgating and disregarding traffic controls.

 

What should you do when confronted by an aggressive driver?
bullet Stay calm and relaxed.  
bullet Make every attempt to get out of the way safely.  Don't escalate the situation.
bullet Put your pride in the back seat.  Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to hold your position in your travel lane.
bullet Wear a seat belt and encourage your passengers to do the same. Driving in heavy traffic
bullet Avoid eye contact.
bullet Ignore harassing gestures and refrain from returning them.
bullet Report aggressive drivers to appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, location, license plate number and direction of travel.
bullet If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash, stop a safe distance from the crash scene.  When police arrive, report the driving behavior you witnessed.

 
 

Remember...

You can control your reactions to other drivers.  If someone drives aggressively, do not retaliate...

Steer Clear of Aggressive Driving.

  

New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee
http://www.thesafeny.org

C-24 (1/01)
Edited for the Internet (3/02)