Aggressive driving involves traffic offenses and violations that endanger other motorists and properties. In layman’s term, this driving behavior is also called road rage which is also used to describe a situation wherein a driver makes rude gestures, threatens other people, and verbally insults other motorists.

Several studies suggested that majority of accidents were caused by some level of driver’s behavior. With this finding, transportation experts believe that aggressive behavior and road rage should be immediately addressed to effectively reduce the numbers of road accidents.

Common conduct of aggressive drivers:

• Run a red light

• Weave dangerously

• Change lanes frequently without signaling other motorists

• Use of profane words

• Profane hand gesture

• Over-speeding

• Flashing lights

• Honks excessively

• Tailgating

• Sudden acceleration and braking

• Throwing things from a moving vehicle with an intent to provoke or injure other motorists

• Spitting

• Intentionally causing a collision with another car

• Exiting the car with the intent to assault another driver

Since aggressive driving may lead to collision, assault, and altercation (thus resulting to injuries and deaths), the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides helpful tips on how to deal with aggressive drivers.

• Get out of the their way

Some transportation experts believe that traffic congestion is the leading factor that triggers drivers to become angry and frustrated. With this consideration, drivers (if possible) should get out of the way if they believe that another motorist has a road rage.

• Avoid confrontation

Never challenge or confront an aggressive driver to avoid collision which may result to injuries, property damages, and even death. There are reported cases in which people tried to challenge an aggressive driver and end up being assaulted or shot.

• Avoid gestures that aggressive drivers may perceive as provocation

Avoid eye contact since most drivers with a road rage perceive this as a form of provocation.

As much as possible, ignore aggressive drivers even if they shout and use profane hand gestures.

• Report aggressive drivers to authorities

While most states prohibit people from using cell phones behind the wheel, drivers who want to report aggressive motorists and road accidents are allowed to use this communication device. However, make sure to do this safely or better yet, drivers can ask one of their passengers to contact the police.

When calling the authority, people should provide the license number of the driver, his/her direction, location, and the vehicle’s description.

• Stop in a safe distance if an aggressive driver is involved in a car crash

If people witness a traffic accident which involved a driver with road rage, they should wait for the police to arrive so the authorities may interview them.