You’re running late for an appointment and hit a traffic jam. Or maybe someone cuts you off. How do you respond? Driving can be stressful, but feeling angry when behind the wheel could lead to aggressive driving, distracted driving or even an accident.
What Is Road Rage?
Aggressive driving can take many forms, like tailgating, weaving and speeding. It happens a lot: One survey found that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger or aggression behind the wheel at least once over the course of the prior year. The consequences can be serious: Aggressive driving played a role in 56 percent of fatal crashes over a five-year period, according to one analysis.
Here’s what to know about road rage, including tips on staying calm and what to do when confronted with an aggressive driver.
Road Rage Factors
Here are some common factors that often contribute to road rage incidents or aggressive driving behavior.
- Traffic delays
- Heavy traffic, sitting at stoplights, looking for a parking space or even waiting for passengers can increase a driver’s anger level.
- Running late
- Running behind for a meeting or appointment can cause drivers to be impatient.
- Anonymity
- If drivers feel that they probably won’t see other drivers again, they may feel more comfortable engaging in risky driving behaviors like tailgating, cutting people off, excessive honking or making rude gestures.
- Disregard for others and the law
- Some drivers may think the rules don’t apply to them.
- Habitual or learned behavior
- For some drivers, aggressive driving may be the norm.
Most Common Forms Of Road Rage
- Tailgating
- Yelling
- Honking in anger
- Making angry gestures
- Trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes
- Cutting off another vehicle on purpose
- Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver
- Bumping or ramming another vehicle on purpose
How to Avoid Road Rage
Make sure you have the right car insurance policy to protect yourself from aggressive drivers or if you find yourself the victim of a road rage incident.
Before You Get Behind The Wheel
- Don’t rush. Give yourself time to get where you’re going; you’re less likely to become impatient and take unnecessary risks.
- Cool off. If you’re upset, take time to calm down.
What To Remember When Driving
- Give other drivers a break. If someone is driving slowly, keep in mind they might be lost.
- Use hand gestures wisely. Keep gestures positive—say, waving to a driver who lets you in when merging.
- Don’t tailgate. Always keep a safe distance from the car in front, no matter how slowly they might be driving.
- Lay off the horn. Honking out of frustration won’t solve any problems; it will just increase the stress level for everyone on the road.
- Don’t stop to confront another driver. Stopping could lead to a dangerous situation for everyone.
If Another Driver Acts Aggressively
- Stay away. Safely change lanes, gradually slow down or even exit the highway to keep a safe distance from the aggressive driver.
- Don’t reciprocate. Ignore the temptation to respond to the other driver; it could cause the situation to escalate. Don’t make eye contact.
- Don’t stop. Stopping could lead to a person-to-person confrontation, which could be dangerous.
- Watch your back. If you’re worried that the other driver is following you, keep your doors locked and drive to the nearest police station.
Taking a defensive driving course could help you stay safer on the road; it could also qualify you for a discount on car insurance. Search for a course near you at geico.com.
Read more: Distracted Driving: Here’s Why You Should Pay Attention
Sources 1 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2 AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety 3 Insurance Information Institute
Sherry says,
Most times I try tp put myself in the other person shoes. You NEVER know what they’re going through. Other times I’m the one going through it. It would be nice if I could receive the same courtesy I give.
Dali Burgado says,
Yes, Sherry. Very true.
Deborah says,
Yes, Sherri and Dali, I feel it is best to practice patience rather than impatience. A person in the left lane going too slow for the car behind it may have gotten lost on a long road trip and is approaching a left lane turn or road fork and has to stay there. I always try to leave room on my left, right, front, and rear side for an “escape” for myself. Learned that when I first started driving and that was long before “road rage” was the popular term/phrase. At that time the favorite saying was “Courtesy of the road”. I wish that would be the popular phrase again today. If we all tried harder to be courteous we would all be safer on the road.
melc says,
Those driving slow in the fast lane and or 10 miles under the limit in the slow lane incite road rage. They do not belong on the road anymore than drivers that drive 10 miles under the limit. I’ve witnessed drivers like that get a deliberate smug satisfaction at upsetting other drivers. I believe they should be reported as often as their aggressive counterparts.
Richard Thornton says,
That’s nonsense. If I want to do 55 in yet he right lane, go around.
James says,
The limit is the maximum speed you should be driving, not the minimum !
A says,
This is the problem, too many uninformed drivers.
Mike says,
So yeah, we’ve all heard this before. I’m one that gets extremely irritated with slow responsive, overly cautious, left-lane cruising, and distracted drivers (that keep hitting their brakes and swerving when no one is in front of them because they are too busy texting – primary offence here finally!). I have looked and looked for tips, suggestions, or practices to help keep me from getting so upset with these oblivious people that I’m inclined to pass in a merge lane or the shoulder . . . THAT is the information that I have not been able to find. I use breathing exercises, soothing music (Breakdown by Megadeth does not seem to help much 😉 ), and other meditating techniques. Does anyone know of good info on the more important aspect of this issue?
GenderNeutral says,
Actually count to ten for real. Just stop. Who cares if we will be late, bro..
chris says,
I like megadeath myself. Over the years I have trained myself to act instead of reacting. Its not easy but it is cheaper and more fun. Instead of someone pushing my buttons you can learned to push other peoples buttons. But push them in a nice and kind considerate way. Who knows the girl that just cut you off may become your girlfriend. It happened to me.
cherrise says,
leave earlier, breathe slower, sing out loud, play Joe Sample or Kenny G, listen to Joel Osteen, don’t sweat the small stuff!
Just V says,
And when you receive the solution to that issue, please share. LOL
Alex says,
Just remember, if you start driving like an inconsiderate maniac, you’re no better than the inconsiderate, unaware driver. Do they deserve a ticket? Yes. Will they get it? Probably not. Now here’s the most important question. Will driving/showing them anger teach them anything? Never. Nothing is ever taught/learned in a state of anger. This is my mantra when I’m stuck behind these people. THEY NOR I WILL LEARN ANYTHING FROM ANGER. If you really want to help, start a local campaign to get more “STAY RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS” signs. Campaign to have the law enforced. But be careful, this can be done with anger as well. And people will not listen to you. Choose intelligence over anger 😉
Helen says,
Something is out of whack with this statement: “Out of 10,000 road-rage incidents committed over a seven-year span, there were 218 deaths and 12,610 injuries recorded according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.”
Laura says,
Helen, you’re right about the numbers not adding up…10,000 incidents and over 12,000 injuries. I think that might be accounted for by the fact that many vehicles are carrying more than one occupant, so if one incident results in 5 people being injured, that’s gone a long way toward accounting for the larger number. Hope that helps.
tsavory says,
No its not there are generally atleast 2 cars involved.
So 1 road rage 2 cars most times both end up hurt thats a 2:1 ratio and
it really dont take long to rack up big numbers when a car with a family of 3-6 are involved.
Honestly I am amazed that injuries count was not closer to 18,000
NothingImportantosay says,
Helen,
Thanks for the numbers but with out a reference to the amount of people are on the road these amounts are skewed. I agree road rage is bad but if you take Tsavory’s numbers with 18,000 injuries with the 1 million drivers on the road recorded in 49 states that put the percentage at 0.018%. That means that less than 2 percent of the 1 million drivers in the 49 states will get an injured. Now if you put real numbers say close to 100 million drivers on 49 states then the percentage drops to 0.00018%. That is less than 20 thousandths of a percent to get in to injured. AAA should really report the amount of drivers that were on the road at any one point in time and not just the ones that they have to pay claims to.
Marybeth kennedy says,
Good information – or reminder for some. Defensive driving is the best for safety.
Reuel says,
I’ve had so many experiences with tailgaters (esp. in Arizona). I have nothing against Arizona, but based on my 5-day experience in Tucson and Phoenix, the percentage of tailgaters was alarmingly high.
I wish there was a way to report tailgaters, and that if those drivers got reported by a certain number of different drivers over a period of time, traffic officers (or even their insurance companies) would be made aware.
chris says,
You are right virtually every arizona plate here in northern california drives like a mad dog. While driving I try to guess their plate by the way they drive. What about in Reno. The locals drive like mad dogs their too. Even though I hate those red lite cameras maybe one reason sacramento drivers are good considerate. They dont like the nevada drivers on I-80 either. No red lite cameras in Reno. I’ m just giving my observation.
Sue says,
If you’re being tailgated a lot maybe you should ask yourself why. Could it be anything you’re doing to cause it?
Jim says,
I call 911 and report the road rage offender(s). Some roads (like I-25 north of Colorado Springs) post signs with special numbers to call to report road rage. Apparently the authorities keep track by license plate number, type of car, male or female, race, date and time of day — the usual questions I get asked by 911. In the case of tailgaters, I pull over to the right and get my passenger to snap a photo of the other car, including license plate) when they pass (usually at speeds well in excess of the speed limit) so I can call in and report them without needing to keep up behind them. To date, I’ve found the 911 operator thankful that I called in to report the road rage or obvious driving infraction. That surely helps me from getting angry…
Dali Burgado says,
I agree, Reuel. I’ve reported a few license plates, but do you call 911 (is that really an emergency)… Could be if they make the wrong move. Thanks for commenting.
D.C. says,
If you are being tailgated for long distances in the passing lane, then you are travelling long distances in the passing lane. In other words, you are not using the passing lane to pass.
If you are being tailgated in the rightmost lane of a highway, then the driver behind you is incredible unaware of things such as “other lanes of traffic”.
kathleen viola says,
I’m with you, Why can’t we drive in peace?
Susan Mueller says,
Parking just a short distance away from a busy shopping area is the best! No dents in your car or fighting for the same parking space and the bonus – exercise! Believe me, it’s worth it! Some people just need to get the closest parking spot…
Naill says,
I agree with you Susan,
I actually go out of the way to park far from the storefronts, less traffic to get into a fender bender and being healthy I would rather leave the spots up front for those less fortunate.
Dali Burgado says,
Great suggestion, Susan! 🙂
Donald Metzger says,
There are now more crazies and aggressive drivers on the road than ever before, especially now that fallen gas prices have helped with the incentive to drive nuts. I find pickup truck drivers the most offensive, followed by SUV’s, then BMW’s, the ultimate tailgating machine. All those guys think they have 15″ (U KNOW WHATS). Best thing to do is just get out of their way and let them have the crashes.
Richard Gaudy says,
Pickup drivers are the most offensive? What a silly stereotype. BMW’s the “ultimate tailgating machine”? Right … it’s the vehicle not the nut behind the wheel. I know that if I owned an $80,000 car, I just wouldn’t be able to control myself – I’d have to act like an idiot and try to wreck it.
Perhaps stereotyping is one factor that leads to road rage. You are expecting the driver of a certain type of vehicle to act in a certain way and so you interpret every move as aggressive behavior directed at you.
PriscillaS says,
yes, richard, pickup drivers especially. Here in Memphis,
TN we had a bad snow/ice storm last week and on my way work on the worst day on Monday, everyone was driving very carefully, slowing down due to the ice. Well, guess who comes barreling down all, throwing snow on our windshields literrally blinding me completely that I had to break as I could not see!! Yeah, a pick up driver. Same thing on my way back from work, Pickup Drivers speeding. No, this is not stereotyping, just fact reporting.
kathleen viola says,
The macho types are the aggressive tailgaters, and they do tend to own the macho vehicles too!
Tinted Speeder says,
In my experience I find Prius (and pretty much any small Hybrid) drivers to be the worst causers of road rage. These are the folks that love to pace a car in the right lane and let angry folks boil over with rage for miles behind them. And if for some reason a space opens up on the right to try to get around them they will speed up to try to block your pass. Lets leave speed enforcement to the police folks. Most so called “victims” of road rage incidents knowingly caused the event to occur by playing cop.
Jeremy says,
I agree with you. “Pacers” are just looking for trouble. Don’t you mean the LEFT lane though? Let people drive the speed they want to drive. If they’re going too fast then let the police work that out. Blocking them will make it worse. Slow drivers to the right, faster to the left. Get out of the way! What if someone has an emergency? You never know.
Lesle says,
I live in Florida and I was under the belief that tinted windows are against the law yet I see many cars with them. My problem with them is in a “situation” I can’t look at the driver’s face to get a clue as to his/her intent and that has often put me in a very uncomfortable position. Will you please comment on that? Thank you.
Joe P says,
I am in FL quite often and my understanding of why the “tinted window law” is not enforced is that there just is not enough time in the day or police to crack down on this problem.
Put yourself in an officers place walking up to a vehicle that you can’t see in!
Jorgan Mischbuccha says,
When confronted with tinted windows, assume a very bad person is there and planning to do you harm. Safely move over and let her pass and speed away. Stay out of trouble.
Sophia W says,
Tinted windows are not against the law in Florida , but there are rules regarding how dark they can be (percentage). I believe the rear windows are allowed to be darker than the front. If I were you, I wouldn’t look anyone in the eye, just move over and keep going.
brian says,
Um. That’s why people have tinted windows. Cause they don’t want people looking at them. When people make false acquisitions against someone and the police start asking Question s like what color was the gun he pointed at you and what was the race of the other driver and you can’t answer any of them it pays off to have the tints. I am giving extrem example s but privacy is nice on a public road
Jeremy says,
Another reason for tinted windows especially in hot areas is because they like to keep their interior cooler. Why do we need to see people’s faces when driving? Just follow the rules of traffic.
Trooper Bubba says,
I’ll take care of that right away. Thank you for your comment and drive safely on Florida’s beautiful motorways.
Wm. Syring says,
In dry, clear weather, and with no traffic congestion, DO NOT DRIVE 45 MPH OR SLOWER on an interstate which has a 65-mph speed limit.
Albert Hess says,
If people driving in the left hand lane 10 over the limit cause you road rage you you do not have the temperament to operate a motor vehicle.
A driver says,
Again, this comment seems to be using this article about managing anger on the road to justify his apparent anger on the road.
h says,
Sadly, in rural areas, there may not be an alternate to the interstate or the ‘only’ road that gets one to where they need to go.
Wm. Syring says,
DO NOT DRIVE IN THE LEFT LANE unless you are passing a slower vehicle on the right and RETURN TO THE RIGHT LINE after. Use turn signals for EVERY turn — 100 yards before your intended turn — and signal every lane change.
Angela says,
You are spot-on! Especially with the comment about left lane slowpokes….that drives me to extreme anger more than anything else. As Mark posted, they don’t seem to even notice how they have backed up the traffic, and don’t really care! I haven’t committed violent acts of road rage (though I have been a victim of it), but it is this situation that makes me feel like throwing a bottle at that idiot behind the wheel!! Get OVER to the right lane if you are scared to death to at least drive the speed limit!
Paul R says,
I agree – I believe there is such a thing as Road Rage Carriers. Driving in the left lane and keeping pace with a car in the right lane while traffic backs up behind is a sure way to start infecting multiple drivers with a case of road rage. Do what the Germans require for the Autobahn: stay right except to pass.
Valerie says,
Road Rage Carriers – I LIKE that 🙂 I used to travel twenty miles down a beautiful mountain highway to get to work every day. I learned over the years to not worry too much about time – if I was at the end of a long line of cars I would just try to go to my happy place, BUT – like others have mentioned – when touring and enjoying beautiful scenery – do be aware of that mile long train of cars behind you – on my particulary highway, no pssing lanes but well marked “Slow Vehicle Pullout Ahead” signs and turnouts just for those who don’t want to hurry. Be kind, be polite and pull out if you want to drive slower than the speed limit 🙂
Johnstoirvin says,
Actually, “keep right EXCEPT to pass” is the law in every state….. it just isn’t enforced and too many drivers simply disregard it. I think the desire to be at the front of the line, regardless how fast you’re driving or how many people are behind you, is an inherent human trait. Some people control that urge better than others.
Rob says,
Well said!
In an area I drive frequently. One freeway narrows down to a single lane, goes under an overpass with a restricted line of site, then merges onto another freeway. About a quarter mile before this “bottle-neck” the race begins. It doesn’t matter how far ahead I am from the person behind me. They are determined to get in front. Even if it requires doing 70 to 80 in a 60 mph zone. And is never just one car. It’s an average of 3 out of 5 cars that do it. I’m fairly certain that 3 out of 5 people didn’t just realize an emergency that necessitates this behavior.
Jamie says,
Agreed, driving in the left lane when you are holding up traffic is incredibly common and unfortunately also rude. I commute daily on a 3 lane highway, and often the far right lane is completely empty with the left and center lanes filled with slow drivers. This encourages passing on the left and it’s a real problem. I have a joke for this… “The far right lane is the new passing lane.” Unfortunately it’s not a funny joke.
Please people, if you are on a multi-lane highway, check your mirrors every few seconds like professional drivers do, and if someone is behind you, move to the right so they can pass.
Even better, stay out of the far left lane entirely unless you are passing.
Jamie says,
I’m sorry, I meant “This encourages passing on the right” not passing on the left. Passing on the left is fine, passing on the right is not legal in some states.
tsavory says,
You are correct and passing to the right is very dangerous you would be amazed how many impatient drivers there are. Remember a big truck wants to leave atleast a truck before they move over. Also when moving over in front of a truck make sure you see BOTH headlights in you REARVIEW mirror NOT your door mirrors.
With Both in rearview there is a chance for us to stop before hitting you but not a second before.
Henry says,
I usually drive in the middle lane at the speed limit or just above. I pass on the left. When I get in the left lane, I usually will be about 5 – 10 miles an hour over the limit, and still have tailgaters on my bumper. I will pull over once there is enough room and I won’t get trapped in the slower lane. When over the limit, no one should be having any anxiety, but even so, I still see some crazies out there.
D.C. says,
If you are attempting to pass and you see cars rapidly approaching you in the lane you wish to get into, you need to speed up to the speed those cars are driving… or wait until they have passed.
Popping into any lane at a speed much slower than the traffic is moving is *VERY DANGEROUS*! You are risking your life and the lives of everyone near you when that happens.
Bob says,
Some drivers are not happy unless they are FIRST. Just move over, somewhere up the road a trooper will have them pulled over then they will be last!
James says,
Yep. Seems like they have an overwelming need to be at the head of the funeral procession…If I am in a rural area, I just pull over and let them speed up to their rightful place…
Jorge says,
Yep, that pretty much sums it up. If there weren’t idiot drivers there wouldn’t be road rage, but that’s probably asking too much 🙁
Mary says,
I agree totally. This frustrates me the most. And to find out that they are texting, talking on the phone or putting on makeup makes it worse.
A driver says,
You might be a road rager if you….
Use ALL CAPS to exclaim your desire that slow drivers stay in the right lane.
I don’t disagree about the importance of awareness and consideration when selecting which lanes to be in, but I think Mr Syring and his fellow commenters are missing the whole point of this article, which is not about driving etiquette, but the importance of anger management while on the road.
Jerry says,
Great advise William! I might just add that you don’t want to put your turn signal on too early, like if you turn it on but you are going to pass by several entrances before your intended turn. What’s worse than no turn signal is a turn signal that is used incorrectly. Just like someone driving with their left foot on the brake and the brake lights are constantly coming on when not intended.
Linda Julius says,
I agree! Signal lights are seldom used in Florida
Pete deMatteo says,
i’ve been tailgated in the slow lane, even when and if i’m doing the speed limit, which apparently doesn’t even apply during the rush hour in the new york city metro area and its suburbs!
Jim says,
Road rage comes from inconsiderate, self centered people who think they have control over people and situations. They act like little children when they don’t get what they want, when they want it. They have no thought process of why someone does what they do. If they thought with love and compassion instead of hate and anger, there wouldn’t be any road rage.
Treat others as you would want to be treated. God is no moron. Do what HE tells you.
Kim says,
Well said!
Michael Thomas says,
Very well said. To me it’s a form of bullying, and will not tolerate it. I wonder if these people get better insurance rates than say me who don’t care how long it takes to get somewhere as long as everyone arrives safe. I better check on a discount for this….
ToSeek says,
I definitely have “no thought process of why” people take several seconds to register that a traffic light has turned green, ooze their way into motion once they finally do register that it has, on a perfectly clear day do 35 mph in a 45 zone alongside other drivers doing likewise so no one behind them wanting to do the speed limit can, or pick the leftmost left turn lane at a light then after the turn decide they need to turn right and so have to cross four lanes of traffic in the next block. Perhaps you’d like to try to explain it to me. (I’ve never gotten to the point of “road rage”, but I’m perennially frustrated with my fellow drivers.)
john says,
Sounds like you live in Florida and are driving during snowbird season. 4 lane moves are very common. Good thing I’m hardly ever in a hurry. Defensive driving here is not only a good idea, it’s imperative.
hope says,
Perhaps there’s some truth in what you say… However, when someone is in the FAST lane going below the speed limit in MORNING RUSH HOUR and refuses to simply MOVE OVER………….. I’m not so sure this falls under the Lord’s “do unto others!” Just saying! And some of these folks are doing this action intentionally. Maybe it’s not that way in your city, but where I live it is b/c when you finally have an opportunity to pass them they just glare at you and smile or wave you a certain lovingly “digit!”
Albert Hess says,
Which is the bigger crime going over or under the speed limit? Are speed limits really absolute minimum speeds?
cherrise says,
no, posted speed limits are maximum speeds allowed under good driving conditions. when weather or congestion exists the maximum posted speed is left to driver’s common sense to slow down, regardless of what lane they’re in.
Rusty says,
Emotions really have no place in safely driving a car. When you allow someone else to make you angry, they then have control over you. Relax and be grateful you aren’t stressed out over traffic situations. You only have control of your car and emotions, not anyone else’s. If other drivers are driving in a threatening manner, report them to the police. Who knows, it may be a wake up call for these people even if they don’t get a ticket.
mark says,
Slow drivers should not be in the left passing lane.
I have seen slow drivers unaware of the miles and miles of cars THEY are holding up. Use your mirrors. Be aware of traffic around you. If you see yards of unoccupied pavement in front of you and cars behind you pull over or speed up.
Ken Harris says,
I could not agree with you more. I drive on the Belt Pkwy every day and see people driving slow in the left lane and holding up traffic. I just understand how some people are not aware of their surroundings.
Nadine says,
I used to drive in Germany…The cops will give you a ticket if you drive slower in the left lane…..and very important, passing via the right side… that’s a big NO NO. Pay attention to what is printed in your right mirror…..Yes, you got it. That’s why it is dangerous.. Also since about 30 years NO phone, NO smoking, NO drinking while driving. Big tickets if they catch you. Think about it. You are driving a car, the car is not driving you!
David says,
Keep up to date with the traffic laws.
For example, in Maryland it is legal to pass on the right, when you’re on a limited access highway, or the person you are passing is stopped to make a left turn.
Rhonda says,
She was talking about the driving laws in Germany…
Julia Noodleman says,
Sounds like Germany! Germany in the 1930s that is! Thanks!
Richard Thornton says,
I can’t understand drivers who tailgate. Your need to speed is not my crisis. I never tailgate. It’s less stress, less wear on my car, makes everything better. There is zero reason to go faster than 70 mph in the NYC area.
KM says,
If you’re at or below 70 MPH, most definitely stay out of the left lane.
Raine says,
That is not for you to decide. The left lane is a PASSING LANE. Not for people who drive fast. If you see someone coming up on you in the left lane…PULL OVER!
Alex says,
Thanks for your opinion, but you’re not following the law. Left lane is for passing only. Who are you to be smug and block the way of someone that might have an actual emergency simply because you think no one should have a reason to go above 70mph. Are you a police officer? No? Then please follow the law and get out of the left lane.
Gloglu says,
Yes, the law says the left lane is for passing only, but that’s very often not practical on very congested roads, like we have now in big cities. Faster cars will go on the left and slower ones on the right. It is that simple.
Dennis says,
What law are you talking about, do some research. In Colorado the law requires the left lane for passing only in cases where the speed limit is 65MPH or more!!
Brian says,
It may not be YOUR crisis, but it may be a crisis. You don’t know why the person is speeding, nor are you entitled to know. You just need to get over to the right lane and let them pass. Let law enforcement do their jobs on the road, and you do yours…i.e. get out of the left lane unless you’re passing.
Patriot1 says,
Those drivers are aware of what they are doing, they think they are
traffic police and will keep everyone doing either exactly the speed limit or less
HB says,
Agreed… some people think the left gives them the right to 20 miles over the limit. There is no lane for that!! No one has special privileges!!
Richard Thornton says,
I drive relaxed. 60mph is enough . It’s amazing, I drive relaxed, my brakes and tires last longer , and I have plenty of room between me and others. But I am in NJ, and I have noticed that NJ has way too many angry people. I always wave at these idiots as they drive by. I despise stupid drivers.
kathleen viola says,
You and I both have the same attitude. We are so lucky not to be like the
majority of angry drivers.
brian says,
That kind of attitude is what causes problems. If someone is tailgating you and you refuse to move over then you are adding to the problem. If your “10 mile an hour over” is not good enough for the driver behind you then just move over. You don’t dictate the speed of everyone else nor do you tell people to leave earlier. Drive in the right lane and pass in the left. Very simple rules to follow.
cherrise says,
the passing lane does not give you permission to go over the speed limit! They aren’t going too slow, you’re going too fast!
Nicholas says,
It’s the SPEED LIMIT…not the SPEED REQUIREMENT. No one has patience anymore. And get off the cellphone. We’re not impressed by how important you are that your phone call can’t wait.
Jorge says,
You see, it’s that way of thinking that causes problems. It doesn’t matter how fast you’re going, if the person behind you is going faster, and you’re not on the right lane, then YOU are the problem. Let them speed all they want, you’re not on the road to teach lessons.
A driver says,
Some tailgaters are just ‘passing lane’ situations. I live in Rochester N.Y., and even on 2 lane city roads, slippery from a foot of fresh snow or heavy rain our whiteout condition due to snowfall,, there are plenty of drivers trying to you push to go well beyond (10+) the speed limit. With flashing headlights and finger gestures. Especially near the college’s, where the drivers are much younger. At that point, I think, you have to drive even more defensively, lest the pinhead tailgater plows right into you if road condition changes. But of course that ticks the tailgater of even more.
Robert Boutin says,
I’ve been trying to figure this out for some time now…..when a tailgater gets behind me….my car slows down….I’m still trying to figure that out gezzzz
Just V says,
I agree 100%
Pat says,
Really. Look at the other postings. If someone wants to go faster than you no matter how fast you are driving, do the sensible thing: put on your signal and get out of the passing lane. You will have no issues with the person behind you and possibly avoid a needless and possibly deadly confrontation.
Jerry says,
I agree 100% Mark!
Alex says,
The law states that the left lane is for passing. Even if you’re doing 10 mph over the speed limit, you still need to get out of the left lane if someone is coming from behind you and going faster. IT’S THE LAW FOR A REASON. The left lane remains clear for people that have a legit need to speed such as an emergency. Not all of the people speeding in the left lane have a legit emergency.
D.C. says,
Agree wholeheartedly!
Dennis says,
Wrong again – Colorado law says only time left lane is for passing only is when speed limit on raod is 65 or more!!
Don says,
You have no right nor obligation to control another’s speed by staying in the fast lane even if you’re going 10 miles over the limit, as you mention. California law REQUIRES you to move over if another car flashes or honks at you in the fast lane.
Larry says,
If you are in the left lane, and someone gets behind you, then move over! Period! You speed means nothing if you are slower!
Why did they make the comment about firearms? By who’s statistics? Does that include legal use to protect yourself? The statement is wrong!
Nora says,
I agree wholeheartedly with you, Dan Bear!
Mark Moses Mcgoveran says,
I really don’t think you should drive one third of the time with out looking forward. Look in the mirror when you are going to change lanes or make some move. Look quick every where look back to the front. The amount of mirror time varies. If you are in stop and go bumper to bumper traffic and staying in your lane, the mirror use drops off sharply, you need to stay focused on cut ins in front you, so you can brake quickly.
Jeff in Ohio says,
A good driver scans the rear view mirror continuously while focusing on the situation ahead. You must beware of your surroundings at all times to be truly safe. It takes only a few seconds for another vehicle to pass one and slip behind you.
Dennis says,
Why are you people quoting the law about this issue like it was the same in every state. In Colorado, the law for left lane being only for passing specifically states it only applies where the speed limit is 65 or more!!
Atomic says,
OTOH some drivers concentrate 1/3 of their time talking on cellphone, 1/3 on applying makeup, and 1/3 on “texting” LOL
Roger says,
Please don’t drive 10mph over the limit in the right lane in city interstate traffic. It creates dangerous situations with merging traffic from entrance ramps. Observe speed limits and the highways will be much safer places for EVERONE. In a “so called” emergency situation call 911 and get a police escort.
suttipong. thongsilp says,
I think we should set one yellow color unit of highway Patrols car go chased the slow car in or on the the out sides fastest lane on the free way or interstate national roadway OK.
Michael Gingrich says,
I know all about that topic. Don’t need kids to try and teach me anything. Why do my premiums keep going up each year when I haven’t filed any claims by-the-way??
Victoria says,
I’m reading the comments here and noticed one that I feel I should stay away from if I was on the same road as this person …
Linda Julius says,
Me too
M.Hardy says,
Victoria… I noticed the same angry “commentator” 😉 and moved from his lane to your lane! LOL
It’s really sad when people do not see the seriousness of this issue! Many years ago, in N.Y.C. I was involved in a road-rage incident. A guy wanted to pass me. The city bus was blocking one lane, I was on the other lane and I wasn’t moving fast enough for him. The guy follow me and @ the red light he got out of his car and came at me with a knife. Luckily I was a fast thinker (and young or stupid enough to be a risk taker) and I ran through the light to get away from him…It was extremely scary!!
Lynette Preston says,
I am also wih them. I agree.
Jim says,
Erratic behavior seems to be all around us on the roads, and I try to allow what appear to be anxious or hurried driver’s have the road ahead of me, not behind me. As, with another writer I’ve been with GEICO for over twenty years and have seen an in crease of about $65.00 this past year. Even with three vehicles I believe my cost is low compared to other offer’s advertised by other auto insurance carrier’s.
Dali Burgado says,
Thank you for the comment and your loyalty to GEICO, Jim!
Dr. Clifford N. Alford says,
I have been with GEICO for many years, and my rates have gone up around five dollars over the past ten years. Shop around all you like. Even USAA couldn’t beat them, and they try very hard to be good to us veterans. But, they were still four dollars higher per month. I left GEICO once for about four months, and then went back to them. I’m glad I did. But, you do what you will.
peter baxter says,
Is there anything that doesn’t go up?
iidevice says,
Change Your Car Insurance. AIG raised my premium once, I switched to GEICO 8 years ago, at lower premium. It remain the same, ever since.
Kendra Eichholz-Gilmer says,
Aggressive drivers are everywhere. I just move over if possible and let them pass me. I’d rather be behind them, than them behind me.
Keeping your Cool is the utmost important factor in today’s society. It is “Extremely important to Me.” Always!
Lynette Preston says,
I Agree!
Pat Morgan says,
Thank you for this info. I t’s better to be safe than right. Stay away from angry drivers.
vick says,
thank you.
Balot says,
Indeed, being calm is important. There are so many drivers on the road who intentionally forget road rules or simply don’t know those rules. For example: fast lane is for faster drivers, so slow drivers, get out of the fast lane (1) because you are causing a line of cars who want to get to their destination on-time and safely.; (2) because 9 out 10 that’s the reason why the driver behind that car is irritated; hence would tailgate.; (3) there are road signs that state that “slower vehicles, stay on the right” and there is a designated lane for slower vehicles.
Artsontop says,
I totally agree. I used to “road race” (SCCA) (IMSA) on sanctioned race tracks. I felt MUCH safer running those events than Houston streets for a myriad of valid reasons..I typically run the left lane whenever possible. I DO NOT tailgate/hassle the car in front. They are usually going at least the speed limit or greater and they themselves are probably looking for a clear path ahead. I give a car length per 10 mph; I’m sure more younger folks have never heard of this theory..DO NOT tailgate me, I’m pedaling as fast as I can!
Eric says,
If everyone would just use the fast lane (left lane) for passing, and return to either the middle or left lane, alot of problems would be avoided.
If you’ve ever driven in Europe such as Germany, you can accommodate both fast(100+ mph) and slower traffic safely by following this one simple rule! The only thing is that EVERYONE has to obey it.
Eric says,
Oops, I meant return to the middle or right lane…
Gwendolyn Meadows says,
I agree! I’ve been in that situation, where someone was tail gating me so I put my emergency flashers on. He backed off. We came to a light, he ask me was there any thing wrong. I said yes you were tail gating me.
Yasser says,
Agree.
Jeff Jones says,
In Hawaii pairs of locals often drive side by side at the speed limit of 45 while dozens of cars pile up behind them. It is intentional nasty behavior and blessed by the police.