Avoid Aggressive Drivers

It’s Not Only Anger

It is a common belief that most aggressive drivers are neurotics with no outlet for their inner rage and of course angry people make a large portion of aggressive drivers. Impatient people in a hurry to get to their destination though can be just as aggressive. Unsafe driving may also be caused by stressed and irritated individuals. Aggression from one driver goads other drivers into aggression and we have a chain reaction to contend with. Your life is much too precious to lose over momentary anger, stress or boredom.

Congestion Breeds Aggression

Every passing year we get more and more new cars on the road. This leads to congestion on the roads and waiting on the crowded roads raises frustration that eventually leads some into aggressive driving.

Motorcycle Riders

More and more motorcycles are now on the road and many motorcycle drivers weave in and out of lines at full throttle. In developing countries motorcycle riders are a leading cause of fatalities and things are not much better in developed countries either. Be more alert when motorcycle riders are passing by your vehicle and slow down if feasible to let them overtake you.

A chain reaction

Aggressive drivers start a chain reaction by getting other drivers angry and frustrated. Too many otherwise good drivers become a part of the problem by reacting instinctively into unsafe driving

Around Larger Vehicles

Large vehicles as trucks and buses have larger blind spots and are not always able to see drivers that are following too closely or speeding past them. It also take a lot longer for larger vehicles to come to a stop; and, in a crash, a truck or bus on a car is like a sledge hammer on a tin can. All drivers need to keep a safe distance from larger vehicles. Pickup truck drivers feel more secure but increasingly pickup truck are being made of lighter materials and they are no match for large commercial trucks.

Here are some tips on how to avoid aggressive drivers.

  • Get out of their way and steer clear of them on the road.
  • Stay relaxed. Remember that reaching your destination safely and calmly is your goal.
  • Don’t challenge them. Avoid eye contact. Ignore rude gestures and refuse to return them.
  • Give them the benefit of the doubt. Not all aggressive driving behavior is directed at you.
  • Don’t block the passing lane, especially if you are driving slower than most of the traffic. Move to the right lane

How to avoid being an aggressive driver

  • Allow more travel time to get to your destination. It reduces stress dramatically.
  • Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs. Never run yellow lights.
  • Let other drivers merge with you.
  • Obey posted speed limits.
  • Don’t ever follow other drivers too closely.
  • Resist temptation to teach someone “a lesson.”
  • Concentrate on driving, not on cell phones, stereo, passengers or other distractions.
  • Remember that you can’t control traffic, but you can control yourself, your driving, and your emotions.