Driving around a driver who speeds, tailgates, runs red lights, changes lanes unsafely, engages in road rage, cuts right in front of other drivers or weaves in and out of traffic is not a walk in the park. You may be frustrated because their actions can cause an accident.
Here is how you can respond when you are around an aggressive driver, whether or not their behavior is directed at you:
Stay calm
Staying calm may be the last thing you want to do in such a situation. However, doing so can allow you to get to your destination safely.
Getting angry and trying to make the aggressive driver stop what they are doing may worsen the situation. Besides, it can take your attention from the road, which is dangerous.
Leave space
If an aggressive driver is in front of you, perhaps they keep weaving in and out of traffic or are tailgating a car ahead of you, slow down to increase the gap between your vehicle and theirs. This way, you will have enough space to respond accordingly if anything happens.
Let them pass
If an aggressive driver is behind you, maintain a safe speed and move to the right lane to let them pass. If you can’t change lanes, pull over in an open and well-lit gas station or parking lot.
If the aggressive driver pulls over as well you might need to call the police. Provide your location, direction of travel and a description of the other driver’s vehicle. The police should direct you on where to go. Avoid driving home or to another place you frequent.
If an aggressive driver injures you, it’s vital to learn more about your case to receive just compensation.
