Aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our roadways, but what exactly is aggressive driving? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after consulting with law enforcement and the judiciary, defines aggressive driving as "an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." NHTSA has released the following information on aggressive driving and ways to combat it. Please keep this information in mind as you travel and stay safe.
Are You an Aggressive Driver?
Do You:
• Express Frustration. Taking out your frustrations on your fellow motorists can lead to violence or a crash.
• Fail to Pay Attention when Driving. Reading, eating, drinking or talking on the phone, can be a major cause of roadway crashes.
• Tailgate. This is a major cause of crashes that can result in serious deaths or injuries.
• Make Frequent Lane Changes. If you whip in and out of lanes to advance ahead, you can be a danger to other motorists.
• Run Red Lights. Do not enter an intersection on a yellow light. Remember flashing red lights should be treated as a stop sign.
• Speed. Going faster than the posted speed limit, being a “road racer” and going too fast for conditions are some examples of speeding.
Life in the Fast Lane
Plan Ahead, Allow Yourself Extra Time
• Concentrate. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by talking on your cellular phone, eating, drinking or putting on makeup.
• Relax. Tune the radio to your favorite relaxing music. Music can calm your nerves and help you to enjoy your time in the car.
• Drive the Posted Speed Limit. Fewer crashes occur when vehicles are travelling at or about the same speed.
• Identify Alternate Routes. Try mapping out an alternate route. Even if it looks longer on paper, you may find it is less congested.
• Use Public Transportation. Public transportation can give you some much-needed relief from life behind the wheel.
• Just be Late. If all else fails, just be late.
When Confronted with Aggressive Drivers
• Get Out of the Way. First and foremost make every attempt to get out of their way.
• Put Your Pride Aside. Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-own in your travel lane.
• Avoid Eye Contact. Eye contact can sometimes enrage an aggressive driver.
• Gestures. Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.
• Report Serious Aggressive Driving. You or a pasenger may call the police. But, if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location
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