Aggressive Driving: What It Is & How To Not Be an Aggressive Driver

At one point or another, we've all experienced aggressive driving on the road. Perhaps you've been the victim of a road rage incident—or maybe you've even been guilty of instigating an aggressive driving incident yourself. Regardless, all drivers have a responsibility to understand what aggressive driving is, why it's dangerous, and how to avoid such incidents on the road. If you know how to react when you encounter road rage, you can do your part to keep yourself and other motorists safe.

What Is Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving (commonly referred to as "road rage") occurs when an upset driver creates unsafe conditions for others on the road. An aggressive driver may be taking out their anger on other drivers knowingly or unknowingly. Motorists may exhibit aggressive driving due to something that happened behind the wheel (such as being cut off by another vehicle) or something emotionally upsetting that happened before they even got into their car (such as getting into a heated argument with a loved one).

Types of Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving can manifest itself in many ways, ranging from reckless to malicious. Sometimes, angry drivers may not even realize they're driving erratically while their emotions are running high. However, in some cases of aggressive driving, motorists are very aware of their actions. In the most extreme cases, an aggressive driver may even try to intentionally put other motorists in danger with their own unsafe actions.

Some common examples of road rage or aggressive driving include:

Disobeying traffic signs
Driving on a shoulder
Driving at an excessive speed
Tailgating or following too closely
Running red lights or stop signs
Cutting off other drivers
Excessive or unnecessary honking
Flashing high beams
Failure to yield to the right of way
Weaving in and out of traffic
Failure to use turn signals
Displaying obscene gestures or yelling at other drivers

Why Aggressive Driving Is Dangerous

Aggressive driving is dangerous because it drastically increases the chances of a collision. Unfortunately, aggressive driving and road rage are extremely common in the United States. According to a 2019 survey by the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety, nearly 80% of drivers report displaying anger, aggressive behavior, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in a 30-day period.

Meanwhile, another AAA study finds that aggressive driving contributes to 56% of fatal crashes, making aggressive driving a major contributor in causing fatalities that could otherwise be prevented.

How To Stop Being an Aggressive Driver: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Cool

Most drivers have been in a situation where they've been agitated, angry, or have even lost their temper behind the wheel. Perhaps you've even been guilty of exhibiting signs of road rage, putting yourself and others in danger. Whether you consider yourself a fairly chill driver, or know that you're prone to agitation behind the wheel, there are some basic tips you can follow to avoid becoming an aggressive driver and potentially causing a car accident.

1) Relax and Take Deep Breaths Before Getting in Your Car

If you notice that you’re feeling on edge before you even hit the road, take some time to acknowledge this and try to proactively mitigate it as much as possible. If you're stressed right from the start of your journey, you're much more likely to become agitated by other drivers.

Taking a few deep breaths before you start your car can go a long way toward keeping you grounded throughout your drive. There are several effective breathing techniques and exercises that you can use for stress relief. For example, practice placing your hands on the steering wheel and breathing in through your nose for five seconds. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for another five seconds and repeat several times to relieve stress and tension.

2) Switch up Your Tunes

If you’re still feeling anxious when it's time to hit the road, try using music to help you find a sense of calm. Many studies affirm the role of music in stress management, so why not try and use it to your advantage?

Specifically, when you feel agitated while driving, you can try switching your radio to a station or playlist with more the soothing sounds and slower rhythms that might make it easier for you to calm down and take your mind off anything that may be bothering you. Meanwhile, avoid high-tempo music if you're already feeling worked up, as this can cause your heart rate to increase, which can contribute to your stress.

Many drivers also find that simply listening to their favorite music can make a drive more relaxing—especially when they're stuck in traffic. Consider creating a dedicated playlist of some of your favorite songs you can turn to when you need to lift your spirits or make your drive more enjoyable.

3) Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

Paying close attention to your surroundings can go a long way in avoiding aggressive driving. For example, utilizing defensive driving strategies (such as keeping your eyes moving at all times) may help you avoid a dangerous situation where another driver cuts you off. In turn, this helps you avoid the agitation and stress that comes along with this type of encounter.

The more practice you have paying attention to your own surroundings behind the wheel, the more effective you will be at predicting and avoiding potential scenarios that could lead to road rage.

4) Pull Over if You Start To Feel Road Rage

Another important aspect of avoiding aggressive and unsafe driving behavior is recognizing when you're starting to feel agitated behind the wheel and acting accordingly. If something upsets you before you hit the road or during your trip, be extra mindful of your emotions and their physical manifestations. Watch out for a heightened heart rate, sweaty palms, and other signs that your anger might be getting the best of you.

If you're unable to calm down quickly and feel like your actions may put others at risk, pull over as soon as you are safely able to do so. Give yourself some time to cool down before getting back on the road. In the meantime, consider doing something that will get your mind off the source of your anger. This could include anything from doing some breathing exercises to calling a friend for a lighthearted chat.

5) Forgive and Forget Others' Mistakes on the Road

While it can be easy to get agitated by other drivers' mistakes, it's generally best to forgive and forget. Try not to take other motorists' mistakes personally. More than likely, the person who cut you off didn't realize you were there. By at least making an effort to assume the best intentions from other drivers, you can more easily retain a sense of calm behind the wheel.

Likewise, you should never try to confront another driver. Whether their actions were the result of a genuine mistake or a deliberate act of aggressive driving, confrontation will only make matters worse. If you feel that another driver's actions are putting others at risk, it’s best to call 9-1-1 from your cell phone and report the vehicle immediately. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle. If you don’t have a passenger in the car, pull over and call the police. If you wait too long, the police can’t do much, even if you get their license plate (unless there is an accident). If an aggressive driver begins to follow you or tries to confront you, call 9-1-1 and start driving towards the nearest police station for assistance. Avoid eye contact with the other driver as much as possible.

6) Slow Down and Plan Ahead

Running late is among the most common reasons for aggressive driving behavior. When you're in a rush to get somewhere, you're far more likely to create dangerous situations by disobeying traffic laws, engaging in reckless driving, and exceeding the speed limit.

On the other hand, planning your trip well in advance and giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination can reduce your stress behind the wheel and decrease your chances of engaging in aggressive driving behavior. As part of planning your trip, be sure to check the weather for any potentially hazardous conditions that may affect your travels. It's also a good idea to check traffic along your route before you leave so that you can be aware of any slowdowns and potentially plan alternative routes.

Get a Lower Rate for Safe Driving With Clearcover

No matter how much time you spend behind the wheel, there's a good chance you'll encounter aggressive driving at some point. By knowing how to deal with aggressive drivers and how to avoid becoming one yourself, you can do your part to keep the roads safer for everybody.

And of course, by avoiding road rage behaviors, you can keep your own driving record clean! Safe driving can often contribute to lower auto insurance premiums. At Clearcover, we take your complete driving history into account when determining your rate. Ready to unlock your savings and get the affordable coverage you need? We can help! Take control of your coverage and get a free, no-obligation quote today.