Road Rage & Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive driving (tailgating, weaving, speeding, running lights) causes many crashes. Road rage goes further: deliberately threatening or attacking another driver. Disputes that start with a honk or a gesture can end in a crash, an assault or a shooting. The goal is to get home, not to win.

• All drivers
• Work vehicles

Don’t provoke

• Use your horn only to warn, not to scold.
• Don’t tailgate, cut people off or block the passing lane.
• Signal lane changes and merge smoothly.
• Don’t make gestures or stare at other drivers.
• If you make a mistake, a simple apologetic wave can defuse things.

If another driver is aggressive

• Let them pass. Move over, slow down, and give them space.
• Avoid eye contact and don’t respond to gestures or shouting.
• Don’t speed up, brake-check or try to block them.
• Keep doors locked and windows up in slow traffic.
• Leave room in front of you so you can drive away if needed.

If you’re being followed or threatened

1. Don’t drive home or to a deserted place.
2. Call 911 (pull over safely first if you need to, or use hands-free) and describe the vehicle, plate and location.
3. Drive to a police station, fire station or busy, well-lit public place.
4. Stay in your locked car and use the horn to draw attention if someone approaches.
5. Never get out to confront the other driver.

Keeping your own cool

• Leave early so you aren’t rushed.
• Remind yourself that other drivers’ mistakes usually aren’t personal.
• Breathe slowly, put on calm music, and focus on your own driving.
• If you’re upset, tired or stressed, consider waiting before driving.
• In a company vehicle, remember you represent your employer. Many companies have zero-tolerance policies for aggressive driving.

Reporting

Many states have hotlines or allow calls to 911 (or *77 or similar in some states) to report dangerous drivers. Give a description and location, but don’t follow the driver.

Last updated: October 1, 2026