How to combat aggressive driving on the roadways

We've likely all seen aggressive drivers on the road. In certain moments, maybe you've been an aggressive driver yourself. For an aggressive driver, frustration levels are high, and levels of concern for fellow motorists are low. 

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: 

• Running stop signs and red lights
• Driving at speeds far in excess of the norm
• Tailgating cars in front of them
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Passing on the right
• Making improper and unsafe lane changes
• Making inappropriate hand and facial gestures or verbal threatening
• Screaming, honking, and flashing their lights

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 inflict loud music on neighboring cars
• If you drive slowly, pull over and allow the 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