It can be stressful to drive around a driver whose behavior endangers you. However, how you respond to such a driver can also put you at risk. Therefore, since you can’t control their actions, you need to be careful about your response.
Here is how you can drive around an aggressive driver:
Let them pass
If an aggressive driver is behind you, engaging in dangerous behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating or changing lanes unsafely, let them pass. Once they are gone, you will be back to driving peacefully.
Trying to keep them behind – “policing the road”- may worsen their behaviors, especially when dealing with a road rage driver.
Remain calm
If you can’t safely let the other driver pass, you should remain calm while finding another solution. Don’t be pressured to speed up or engage in any unsafe behaviors. Maintain your speed and calm until you find a safe place to pull over, giving them away.
Acknowledging that the driver’s behavior may not be directed at you (giving them the benefit of the doubt) can help you stay calm.
Avoid communicating with them
Eye contact, gestures, yelling, honking and other forms of communication may disadvantage you when dealing with an aggressive driver. Thus, avoid communicating with the other driver. Ignore them until they pass.
Call the police
If the aggressive driver’s behavior worsens, perhaps they refuse to pass when you give them way, call the local police. Provide the police with crucial details about the offending vehicle, including license plate numbers, location and direction of travel. Before the police arrive, keep your car locked and stay inside.
If an aggressive driver hits you, get legal help to understand how you can receive just compensation.
