Aggressive Driving

What is aggressive driving? The NHTSA defines it as occurring when "an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." Every day, you probably see people who:

• tailgate
• make obscene or rude gestures
• change lanes frequently and unnecessarily
• pass other cars on the right
• use the shoulder of the road to pass a stopped line of traffic
• park in handicapped spaces when they're not disabled.
• flash headlights or honk horns to express displeasure with other drivers
• double park
• run through red lights
• speed too fast for conditions

The rise of aggressive driving and its better-known cousin, "road rage," have been well documented in the media during the past few years. Law enforcement officials often point to the nation's increasingly busy and gridlocked roadways as triggers for this type of behavior. Others say long commutes, increased workplace stress, and our society's increasing lack of civility have helped to turn normally docile people into raging lunatics behind the wheel.

Whatever the cause, there are things you can do in case you have to deal with an aggressive driver:

• Remain calm.
• Keep your distance.
• Do not pass unless you have to.
• If an aggressive driver is behind you, change lanes once it is safe to do so.
• If an aggressive driver is behind you and you cannot change lanes safely, stay where you are, maintain proper speed, and do not respond with hostile gestures.
• Be a courteous driver yourself-even if the other driver is not.
• Report aggressive drivers to the authorities.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration