Aggressive driving on freeways is a serious concern that can potentially cause you or a loved one to suffer significant harm. Defined by behaviors like tailgating, excessive speeding, reckless lane changes, and road rage, aggressive driving creates a volatile environment for everyone on the road. It is an accepted fact that dangerous driving contributes to many crashes, many of which cause serious or fatal harm. In this article, we discuss techniques to avoid getting into a crash caused by a reckless driver on your next road trip. If a collision does occur, the car accident lawyers at Monge & Associates may be able to help.
Recognizing Aggressive Driving Behavior
To protect yourself, you can begin by recognizing the signs of aggressive driving. Be wary of drivers that are:
- Speeding much faster than the flow of traffic
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Making erratic or sudden lane changes without signaling
- Flashing their lights or honking their horn at other drivers without reason
- Demonstrating angry or abusive gestures or language
These behaviors are commonly shown by impatient drivers or motorists experiencing road rage, which is a state of extreme anger or frustration while driving. The key is to identify aggressive behavior early so you can take steps to protect yourself.
Taking Action to Stay Safe From Aggressive Drivers
If you find yourself driving near an aggressive driver, do your best to remain calm and stay focused on the road. You should not attempt to engage with an aggressive driver by making eye contact, gesturing, or attempting to match their speed. This can make the other motorist angrier and potentially put your life in danger. Instead of escalating the situation, do your best to give the other driver space and avoid them as much as possible.
Practicing Defensive Driving Techniques
In some cases, it’s not enough to simply avoid confrontation when behind the wheel. You may need to proactively anticipate the actions of other drivers, avoid roadway hazards before they are evident, or adjust your speed to address heavy traffic around the next bend in the freeway. These actions fall under the category of “defensive driving.” When you drive defensively, you anticipate potential threats and react to them before they can put you or your passengers in harm’s way.
One of the most critical components of defensive driving is your ability to maintain a safe following distance. Whether there is an aggressive driver in front of or behind your car, try to increase the distance between the two vehicles. You will have more time to react if the other driver slows down, swerves into another lane, or gets into a wreck. Keep a close eye on the aggressive driver by using your mirrors. If they tailgate you or continue to drive dangerously, change lanes when it is safe to do so. Your primary goal as a defensive driver is to de-escalate the situation and ensure that everyone drives off safely.
Dealing with Extreme Situations
In some cases, aggressive driving behavior can become extremely dangerous. If you ever feel genuinely threatened or the situation escalates significantly, exit the freeway at the first safe exit. Once you’re off the freeway, park at a well-lit location and call emergency services. Provide law enforcement with a detailed description of the aggressive driver’s vehicle, including the license plate number if you can.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Deadly Drivers
Understanding what may trigger an aggressive response in other drivers can help you stay safe. For example, you should try to avoid slow driving in the passing lane or sudden lane changes, as this can frustrate other drivers. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features that can be helpful in such situations. Adaptive cruise control can help you maintain a safe following distance and lane departure warnings can alert you if you drift into another lane. However, you should never allow technology to take the place of human vigilance on the road.
Protecting Yourself From Aggressive Drivers
By following the steps outlined in this article and proactively looking out for your own well-being, you can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing an accident caused by an aggressive driver. By remaining calm, staying aware of your surroundings, and employing defensive driving techniques, you protect yourself and your passengers. We hope this article helps you and your loved ones stay safe the next time you hit the streets!
