Road Rage How to avoid aggressive driving and aggressive drivers

Attitude

Driving is not a competitive sport. How much is really "won" by cutting ahead of another car?
Stay calm, focus on getting from one place to another safety, and try to forget about time if
you are running late.

Road Rage is a 2-Way Street

One driver can’t fight alone. Do not allow yourself to get drawn into a confrontation.

Courtesy

Err on the side of being courteous.

Turn Signal

Using your turn signal makes sure drivers around you aren’t surprised by your maneuver. A Response Insurance National Driving Habits Survey revealed that 57% of drivers don’t regularly use their signals.

Changing Lanes

Don't cut off other drivers and make sure you have room when you merge onto a highway.

Keep Up the Pace

Driving in the left lane slower that the prevailing traffic is asking for trouble. Regardless of the speed you are traveling, move to the right lane if someone wants to pass you.

Tailgating

Keeping a safe distance never annoyed anyone. Tailgating not only greatly reduces your ability to respond, it can annoy the other driver.

Gestures

Don’t make obscene gestures. Avoid any visible sign that you may be angry.

Keep Your Distance

If a driver is displaying signs of aggressive driving – steer clear and get away from them.

Ease Up

If someone cuts you off, slow down and give them room. Their aggression may escalate if you respond in kind.

Get Help

If you think you are in serious danger, use a cellular phone to call the police, or drive to a police station or heavily populated area. Do not drive to your home and do not get out of the car until safe.

Apologize

If you make a mistake try to apologize to the other driver with an appropriate gesture.

This article was prepared by Direct Response Corporation, parent company of the Response Insurance Group, certain of whose member insurance companies underwrite the Teachers' Insurance Plan, as a service to you. The National Driving Habits Surveys were sponsored by Direct Response Corporation and conducted October 14-17, 1999, April 27-30, 2000, May 3-6, 2001, and August 18-21, 2005.

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