Published on Nov 5, 2022 | Last Modified on Jul 09, 2024
Overview
- Practice defensive driving: think ahead, stay aware, leave space, and be considerate of others.
- Avoid engaging with aggressive drivers: do not make eye contact or communicate.
- Safely remove yourself from the situation: pull over or let them pass without speeding up.
- Ensure personal safety: lock doors, roll up windows, and call 911 if confronted.
When you first got your license, you likely learned not only how to drive, but all the rules of the road, what different signs mean, what different lines on the road mean, and all the important parts of a car’s dashboard and interior as well. However, you may not have learned how to avoid aggressive drivers or how to deal with aggressive drivers effectively. These are things every driver should know because they can help keep themselves and others on the road safe. Encountering aggressive drivers isn’t rare, as incidents have increased in law enforcement reporting. Here, we’ll be going over what you can do to avoid aggressive drivers and what to do if you can’t.
How to Avoid Aggressive Drivers
Many of the strategies for avoiding aggressive drivers are commonly referred to as “defensive driving.” These include thinking ahead and anticipating hazards, being aware and alert of your surroundings and other vehicles, leaving more space between your car and others, breaking early, and being considerate of other drivers.
How to Deal with Aggressive Drivers
Despite the defensive driving strategies listed above, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter aggressive drivers. There are just too many variables on the road, and sometimes another driver is just in a bad mood, suffers from uncontrolled anger, or someone who may be a menace. So, you should know how to deal with aggressive drivers effectively.
Part of the way you “deal” with aggressive drivers is by not dealing with them to begin with in these situations. Or at least don’t pay them any attention and avoid interacting with them. Don’t look them in the eyes or try and communicate with them in any way, as that could make things even worse and a scary situation can become uncontrollably escalated. Remove yourself from the situation by pulling over or slowing down and letting them pass you. Don’t feel pressured to speed up or drive unsafely because of their behavior – this could unreasonably endanger someone else.
Another tip for how to deal with aggressive drivers is to ensure you stay safe by making sure your doors are locked and windows are rolled up. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver who has gotten out of their vehicle, report them to the police or call 911.
