Dealing with Aggressive Drivers
It is important to note that aggressive driving and speeding have become more and more commonplace, and it is
affecting everyone’s safety!
During the first six months of 2021, there were 20,160 traffic deaths in the U.S. The Associated Press reported that this was the largest percentage increase in road deaths in the first half of the year since the U.S. Department of Transportation began recording fatal crash data in 1975.
This increase was the outcome of a growing trend of reckless driving including the increased use of drugs and alcohol; the lack of seat belt usage; texting while driving; and more opportunities for speeding and reckless driving given fewer cars on the road because of the coronavirus pandemic.
While you cannot control the behavior of other drivers, these are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on what to do if you encounter aggressive drivers or speeders on the roadways:
- If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over, and let them by.
- Give speeding drivers plenty of space. Speeding drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
- Adjust your driving to the conditions. Speeding is tied to aggressive driving. If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky driving, use judgment to safely steer your vehicle out of harm’s way.
- Pull over if possible, and call the police if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you.
