What Is An Aggressive Driver?

An aggressive driver is one who refuses to stop at red lights. They break the speed limit, tailgate and meander in and out of traffic. They change lanes repeatedly in an unnecessary and unsafe manner, make hand and facial gestures at other drivers, and honk and flash their lights at other vehicles.

As they tend to drive too fast, this leads to them following the car in front too closely, changing lanes a lot and without indication, overtaking on the hard shoulder and verbally or physically jeering drivers who happen to be in front of them. Sometimes this leads to violence and road rage.

Do you lose your cool when other drivers cut you up and box you in? Whether you're doing the daily commute, seeing the sights on a day trip, or just running to the local grocery for a pint of milk, here are ways to keep calm on the road:

Tips For Coping With Aggressive Drivers

Be realistic about your travel time. Allow time for possible delays because of traffic, construction or bad weather. If you're going to be later than you expected - deal with it. Take a deep breath and accept the delay. Like they say, better to arrive late than to not arrive at all.

Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. They might be from out of town, in a hurry, or distracted by things that have nothing to do with you.

Drive conscientiously. Avoid situations which may aggravate other drivers.

Avoid tailgating.

Limit inappropriate hand and facial gestures.

Don't be tempted to use your horn at aggressive drivers. This only serves to draw their attention to you. Even a polite beep can be misconstrued.

Avoid making eye contact with aggressive drivers and be sure to leave them lots of room.

Distance yourself as much as possible.

Do not attempt to match their speed. This will only anger them further.

Slow down and keep your distance.

Set a good example, to other drivers and to the other people in your vehicle. This is especially important if some of your passengers are children who will learn their attitude towards driving from you.

Ensure a gap of at least 2 seconds between yourself and the car in front in good driving conditions. When the car in front passes a fixed object such as a signpost, you should not pass the same spot for at least 2 seconds. In Wet driving conditions, increase this to 4 seconds and in the Ice or Snow, increase this distance to 10 seconds.