Everyone learns to drive defensively when they take driver’s ed. Unfortunately, many motorists forget or ignore those early lessons and choose to drive aggressively. According to the National Safety Council, speeding contributed to 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2020, the highest number since 2008.
Hopefully, U.S. drivers will be able to lower the number of fatal accidents caused by aggressive driving. In the meantime, motorists can look for signs of aggressive driving and do their part to keep the roads safe.
Tailgating
Tailgating is perhaps the most common aggressive behavior on the road. Many drivers do not give tailgating a second thought, but it contributes to nearly half of all collisions, according to the National Safety Council. Drivers must provide adequate space between other vehicles and move to a different lane when dealing with a tailgating vehicle.
Speeding
As described above, speeding contributes to a significant number of traffic fatalities. Drivers will likely encounter at least one speeding vehicle every time they are on the road. Motorists should not feel pressured to match the speed of another car. Let the speeding vehicle pass or change lanes to prevent them from tailgating.
Road rage
Finally, drivers might face the temptation of giving in to road rage. Drivers should not escalate situations when an aggressive driver commits an unsafe act. Instead, victims of aggressive driving need to maintain an even greater level of concentration and let the moment pass.
Driving is not the time to let out frustrations and act aggressively. Offenses on the road feel especially egregious because they endanger other drivers and their passengers. However, maintaining a defensive driving attitude is the best way to avoid potentially fatal consequences.