Road Rage and Aggressive Drivers¶

Aggressive driving, severe tailgating, intentional vehicle blocking, and physical confrontations stemming from road rage represent serious roadway safety hazards. De-escalating tense situations and prioritizing safety prevents violent physical altercations.

Immediate Action Steps When Targeted by an Aggressive Driver¶

1. Do Not Engage or Retaliate: Avoid eye contact, gestures, horn honking, or sudden braking (brake-checking). Retaliation escalates driver anger and increases collision risks.
2. Give the Aggressive Driver Plenty of Space: Safely change lanes, slow down, or pull over in a well-lit public area to allow the aggressive driver to pass.
3. Keep Vehicle Doors Locked and Windows Up: Ensure all power doors are locked and windows are completely rolled up.
4. Drive to a Police Station or Busy Public Area: If an aggressive driver follows you, do not drive home. Route your vehicle directly to the nearest police station, fire station, or open 24-hour retail plaza.
5. Call Emergency Services: Have a passenger call emergency services (911 in the United States) or use hands-free voice commands to report the vehicle make, model, color, license plate number, and current location.

If the Aggressive Driver Confronts You at a Stop¶

• Stay inside your locked vehicle. Never exit your vehicle to argue or confront an angry driver on the roadway.
• If an aggressive driver approaches your vehicle on foot carrying a weapon or attempting to force door handles, sound your horn continuously and drive away safely if an exit path exists.
• If trapped in traffic, keep sufficient space between your front bumper and the vehicle ahead so you can turn out without reversing.