Combat aggressive driving

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving is a factor in 54% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. Common behaviors of aggressive drivers include:

Common behaviors of aggressive drivers

• Running stop signs and red lights
• Driving over the speed limit
• Tailgating cars
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Passing on the right
• Making improper and unsafe lane changes
• Making inappropriate or threatening verbal remarks or gestures
• Screaming, honking, and flashing lights

Practice basic traffic courtesy

The American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says the best way to avoid being the target of an aggressive driver is to practice basic traffic courtesy and follow these tips:

• Make every attempt to get out of the aggressive driver’s way
• Wear your seat belt
• Don’t challenge an aggressive driver
• Don’t make eye contact
• Don’t make obscene gestures
• Don’t tailgate
• Use your horn sparingly
• Don’t block the passing lane
• Don’t block the right-turn lane
• Don’t take more than one parking space
• Don’t allow the door of your car to hit the car parked next to you
• Don’t play music too loudly
• If you drive slowly, pull over and allow traffic to pass
• Don’t let a phone distract you
• Don’t stop in the road to talk to another driver or pedestrian
• Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities