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
Pete Nutsen says,
Allot of road rage I see is caused by “left lane squatters,” who then speed up 10-30 mph to block the car behind them out when they try to pass on the right when finally clear, then proceed to tailgate them when they finally get around at 10 mph faster than they were ever going – mental issues…inferiority complex?
BC says,
I can’t figure out why they do that either. Some will then turn their brights on you.
Pete Nutsen says,
There needs to be more driver education on how multiple lanes are supposed to work like Europe (i.e. left lane is for passing) and/ or fines punishing left lane squatters like Oregon.
Most incidents I see on I-80 are someone “squatting” in the left lane and refusing to move over, then when it is finally clear to pass on the right, they speed up 10-30 mph to block the person from passing. I don’t know what this is – Inferiority complex? Some other mental condition? but it creates allot of frustration/ bad situations. Then when the person finally gets around them, they ride their bumpers (sometimes with brights on), at 10 mph + faster then they were going.
I also agree with the poster above that unless you are in fact a policeman, private citizens have no business “policing” the speed limit by impeding traffic. Again, another mental deficiency in my opinion.
BC says,
And another element to this is that going 5 over is ok in their book, as long as they’re the ones who decided, but if you decide to get around them at 10 over, they then try to keep you from getting around and on come the brights. Truly, I’ve never understood it. I think you hit it with the inferiority issues.
Albert Hess says,
Pete do you consider continued travel in the left lane at 10 – 15 over the limit to be “Squatting” worthy of road rage?
Gregory Kyi says,
I think this article is written well. However, I feel that drivers like me who have road rage and drive agresssively should have harser punishments. In light of current events here in Hawaii and around the world, I feel that just trying to defuse the situation will make it harder and it would make the situation worse for the victim. The tips on how to avoid aggressive driving i feel are the best way to avoid road rage and aggressive driving.
Furthermore, reading all the commenta help me understand how to control my anger on the road.
David says,
Remember please, the left lane is for passing. The right lane is for speed limit and slow drivers. If one drives accordingly I am sure this would cut down on angry drivers.
Albert Hess says,
The right lane is for slower traffic. The left lane is for faster traffic but in no case faster than the speed limit. A far and away more important law that keep right except to pass.
dick says,
I have tried hitting brake lights, pulling on shoulder, throwing gravel, (when conditions permit), putting your flashers on, (works best); I finally found a sign (The closer you get the slower I go) works fairly well but still a few that can’t read.
Slowdriver2 says,
I’m a slow driver. I drive 5 over speed limit in the HOV lane on the highway taking my kids to school. Those single drivers violate the HOV lane, tailgate, and give me the dirty look. I cannot wait to take care of one of those people in the ER from an accident. Pain meds? Sure, here is some Tylenol for you……
monica says,
how professional
Kesmarn says,
Hey, Tylenol is a pain med.
I hear you, Slowdriver 2. I work in healthcare too. Some aggressive drivers are full of nerve until they end up in the ER. Biggest babies out there once they don’t have tons of steel around them.
Albert Hess says,
Rhonda, Should people who are only 5 over the limit not use the HOV lane?
Rhonda says,
You are part of the problem. You should be in one of the 2 right lanes, not trying to control other peoples speed. Hybrid vehicles, and there are a lot of them, are allowed to use the HOV lane. And yes, I have seen plenty of people who don’t belong there but that is not for you to police.
Etamni says,
@Rhonda: I live in a place that doesn’t (yet) have HOV lanes, but I am under the impression that these are restricted lanes for carpools and certain others. Slowdriver indicated going five mph over the limit, and is still tailgated sometimes. No information was given regarding the amount of traffic in the other lanes, or the speed that the other lanes were moving at. So if Slowdriver is going faster than the traffic in the other lanes, which might be backed up if it is rush hour, and is permitted to be in the HOV lane, do you really believe that Slowdriver is “part of the problem” or just commenting on aggressive drivers?
Sam says,
Monica and Rhonda said it all.
Jack Claiborne says,
States need to get tough of aggressive driving and the federal government should take highway money away from states that don’t pass laws that entail the following actions against aggressive drivers. If someone is pulled over particularly for behavior that is intended to intimidate someone, blaring the horn or flashing the lights and tailgating them when they are driving the posted speed limit, the person should be arrested! Not just ticketed! Upon conviction of aggressive driving, the person should have his or her license revoked, and the vehicle seized and crushed, just like those who race on our streets and highways. This would send a clear message that aggressive driving will not be tolerated on our streets and highways! The federal government should also take highway money away from states that don’t require vehicles to carry front license plates. If every state were a two plate state, it would be easier to get license plate numbers of aggressive drivers.
Craig says,
And while we’re at it let’s do the same for people who drive in the left lane when they’re not passing anyone and the folks who refuse to use their turn signals as a courtesy to all the other drivers on the road who might actually want to know what the other cars are about to do. And let’s not forget the people who think they’re “smart” by holding their phone on their lap while they’re texting, ’cause y’know the cops haven’t figured out that little trick.
Vonnie says,
I agree wholeheartedly!! 🙂
John Saunders says,
Wow. So much for States’ Rights.
Sam says,
Take it easy Jack.. You think stiff penalties, harsh fines or crushing someone’s car will alleviate aggressive driving? It will certainly send a clear message.. Not the one that your expecting though. A little road courtesy goes a long way.
Etamni says,
@Jack — it costs over $50 per day, in most jurisdictions, to hold someone in jail. I’d rather that be spent on actual criminals. Instead, just increase the fines for various forms of aggressive driving until people are unwilling to drive aggressively.
Oh, and while I sometimes see the flashing of lights listed as “aggressive” — I ride a motorcycle and sometimes flash my light if I think there is any chance that another driver hasn’t seen me — I’d rather someone think I’m aggressive than not see me and end up hitting me.
Cobb says,
Jack & Craig – Agree 100% .
DKN says,
driving at the speed limit, staying in the right lane, dimming lights when passed or behind another car, not talking or texting to distraction, maintaining consistent speed are all ways to avoid being confronted with a driver feeling wronged. Some people drive over the speed limit its not your job to try and regulate them let them pass you when safe don’t intentionally slow down when they can’t, don’t leave high beams o to voice your disapproval of their drivng habits.. And if you are the one driving faster leave room ,than pass when safe. There is a lot of anger out there these days, job stress, media promoting whatever bias to gain ratings etc. lets all stay alive.
Brian says,
Well Said!
Joseph says,
I agree with this.
Micheal Meyering says,
Not stopping for a pedestrian in a cross walk or being impatient and making a turn in front of or close to a pedestrian walking is my hot button, whether I am walking or witnessing it while driving. it is a simple lack of respect for human life or ignorance on how we are endangering peoples lives by being impatient and not caring.
Pearl Fedrick says,
It is a SAD time for driving, I have been drving for over 40 years, and I am amazed at
the lack of respect and the instant anger you see, just driving to and from work, and I am very fearful of my fellow drivers, that are constantly looking down, at cell phones, I noticed as they are doing this their car is slowing down or usually going over the lines…I pray that we are a society can CHANGE this reckless behavior, before it’s too late…
Let’s get back to enjoying a “Sunday Drive”
Colonel says,
Yes people seem to feel entitled, they can cross you, but look out should you cross them.
David of Florida says,
The speed Limit is a LIMIT you can drive at any safe speed up to that limit. What all seem to do is drive AT that limit and suddenly they are driving 5 – 10 miles per hour over the LIMIT. All of a sudden they come upon a person driving a safe speed under that posted speed and tailgating happens – my suggestion is slow down.
Drew says,
That is not true, driving under the posted limit when the normal flow of traffic is at the limit, and conditions of the road can be safely travelled at can be considered impeding traffic especially if the slower driver makes no attempt at letting the faster driver to pass. States seem to vary on how it is handled. Also driving under the speed limit can just as easily cause car wrecks as moving over the speed limit. If you drive slower then what is posted you put yourself at risk for being hit by someone who doesn’t realize you are traveling slower. Car accidents are more likely to happen due to variations of speed instead of someone simply going over the limit.
David in Florida says,
I however said nothing about exceptions of the rule nor did I refer I was impeding traffic. I just stated that the speed on a highway that is posted is a limit. Most do not understand that a limit is set for the safety of all and the road conditions else there would be no police enforcement. If driving on a two lane road that is posted at 50 mph and a person is driving at 46 mph there is no need to speed up nor to pull over, except for a courtesy gesture.
If on a four lane road I would make a note here that the posted limit is for all four lanes not just the left lane. I don’t make the rules I just try to follow them, if a posted sign says slower traffic use the right lane and I was driving below the speed limit I would certainly do so, however if I was driving at the posted speed limit I would not. If someone was driving at 85 mph they would be breaking the law and I would not move over to let them stay in the same lane for two reasons 1. I would be putting myself in danger of trying to pull over to the right when they were on my back bumper and couldn’t see past them properly to see other traffic trying to pass him. 2. Why would anyone enable someone to break the law?
John Saunders says,
How is the speed limit determined? And, BTW, deciding on a single number that is “set for the safety of all” is like a one size fits all hat. It fits all – badly.
The speed limit that I follow is the limit that will get me to where I’m going safely. I don’t care which limit will get the other guy home safely – it may very well be a different limit from mine.
Note that the speed limit is the same for a new car in excellent condition on dry roads with excellent visibility as it is for 20 year old clunkers with no brakes on icy roads in a blizzard at night.
Etamni says,
@David — that aggressive driver is a wreck waiting to happen — let him or her get well away from you so you aren’t part of that statistic. Imagine that you are driving in the left lane of the interstate highway, the aggressive driver is tailgating you, and some other event causes you to have to hit your brakes — now you’ve been rear-ended when you would have safely avoided the new problem.
BC says,
Hey, if I’m behind you on a 50mph road and you’re going 46, I’m ok with you. But when a passing area is finally reached and you speed up to 60 when I try to get around, then you leave your brights on, well….who’s the aggressive driver?
I don’t necessarily mean you David. I don’t know if you do that or not. But I’m using your example and adding a VERY common occurrence.
Albert Hess says,
Craig do you object to people who do not give up the left hand lane when operating 20+ over the limit?
Sam says,
Agreed
Irene says,
I think slow drivers who drive way below the speed limits are just as dangerous as the fast drivers. I am talking about drivers who drive at 35 mph to 50 mph at a 65 mph posted speed limit on a freeway/express way. The reason is that normal everyday drivers usually assumed everyone will drive at the speed limit or slightly above unless the condition is bad due to weather. When we encounter very slow drivers we have to either wait to move around them or have to slow down to their dangerous low speed until we can pass. If you cannot at least drive at the speed limit on good weather days on the freeway/express way please stay away from these roads or else have someone else drive for you or take public transportation.
Bob Bacon says,
Unless you’re paying my gas bill, I’ll drive whatever speed I can afford, especially if I’m carrying delicate cargo, on old tires, or hauling something heavy. States have minimum speed limits. I obey them. If you can’t regulate your speed, watch ahead, and drive responsibly, you should hire a chauffeur or take public transportation.
BC says,
Making you one of the dangerous ones trying to justify why travelling 25mph slower than all the cars and trucks around you is ok (because it’s what YOU want). You seem oblivious or utterly unconcerned about what physically happens in traffic when you act like that, because you don’t want to keep safe tires on your car, or some other made up reason. I wish you could meet some of your victims who got injured in crashes because you abruptly altered the reasonable flow of traffic so much that safe drivers are ensnared anyway. Just how much speed difference do you think is safe, anyway? It’s why they abolished the trucker’s 55mph limit on 65 or 70mph roads. It’s not safe! Quit picking fights about what a “limit” is, and just try to keep up with it. Grow up.
Bob Bacon says,
It’s really unreasonable of you to “assume” people are speeding just to make you happy. Some people can’t afford the tickets or points on their license, or just don’t need to go 80mph.
Albert Hess says,
Is it more of a sin to drive 5 over the limit or 5 under?
mn says,
Yes i think so too that people are very distracted when driving today. I am still shocked when I see people holding phones to their ears talking while driving not even hiding it. wow wish there were more cops to see this and tk them. Don’t they know its wrong. well I feel like a lot of people are unkind when driving and don’t care about breaking the law. wow so sad right. Here we are trying to do the right thing by driving the speed limit, no tx no tailgate etc and then u always see angry drivers everyday mad at you bc you are obeying the law by doing the speed limit. I tell my kids wow look how angry they are. . . I am so glad we are not angry like that what a miserable life they have. . don’t look at them just ignore them or they will explode lol
Greg Jones says,
Great suggestions. Bottom line, it’s just not worth getting upset over some idiot’s driving.