The 3 Types Of Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is engaging in erratic driving behavior that compromises the safety of other drivers. Challenging road conditions are often the reason impatient drivers become frustrated. Combined with such stressful road conditions, they resort to unsafe and aggressive driving behaviors when they feel even the tiniest bit slighted.

There are different forms of aggressive driving, with examples ranging from loud honking, yelling profanities and threats, making offensive hand gestures throwing objects, and even ramming into other vehicles in an attempt to force them off the road.

Types of Aggressive Driving Behaviors

It’s not uncommon for aggressive driving behaviors to lead to injury, property damage, and even loss of life. Aggressive driving is usually referred to as road rage and includes but is not at all limited to the following actions.

• Cutting other drivers off
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Excessive horn use
• Using Confrontational gestures
• Flashing headlights at other vehicles
• Tailgating
• Blocking other cars from being able to change lanes
• Driving on the sidewalk or median of the road
• Disregarding traffic signs and road signals
• Speeding
• Not using a turn signal

Three Most Common Types Of Aggressive Driving

There are a handful of reasons why people become aggressive behind the wheels. An inquiry into the causes of aggressive driving behavior linked the act to a condition commonly referred to as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and daily life issues. Below are the three most common types of aggressive driving:

1. Swearing And Making Confrontational Gestures

It’s hard to believe that driving manuals made during the 70s encouraged drivers to vent their frustrations by yelling at other motorists. We can’t help but think this is what led to road rage becoming the norm that it is today, where drivers rarely feel the need to exercise restraint when provoked in the slightest.

The most frequent aggressive driving violations which usually lead to car accidents include throwing objects at other drivers, giving people the finger, yelling curses, and even brandishing weapons.

2. Tailgating

Cars are primarily designed to help get people to their destinations quicker, so it’s quite understandable to get annoyed when you find yourself stuck in heavy traffic. A typical response in a scenario such as this is to try to get as close to the car in front. However, doing so will likely result in a rear-end collision. Therefore it’s best to maintain a safe distance from the other driver in front of you.

Not only does tailgating reduce driver reaction times, but it also compromises perception, leading to a severe car accident that can cause spinal cord damage and even traumatic brain injury.

3. Speeding

Have you ever watched someone speed past you recklessly only to get stopped by a red light moments later? It’s quite amusing to watch something of the sort happen. However, according to the statistics, speeding is the cause of one in three road collisions.

It’s instinctive to want to speed when we’re running late for an appointment and if there’s something we have to do urgently. However, going full throttle only quadruples a driver’s chances of being involved in an auto crash accident since it drastically reduces one’s reaction time.

When purchasing cars, two powerful motivators are speed capability and engine size. Lots of people find it thrilling to zoom down the road, while others do it simply to show off. This is typical behavior for teens and young men who are most involved in traffic offenses and fatal crashes.

Types Of Aggressive Drivers

Below are three kinds of aggressive drivers

1. Situationally Aggressive Drivers

It’s human nature to become impatient when we have to be somewhere, and there’s very little time to get there. Situational aggressive drivers are likely to drive through pedestrian walkways at high speeds, ignore traffic safety signs, stop signs, and red lights and express significant anger when they’re running late.

Such drivers are more concerned about reaching their destination on time than safety.

2. Confrontationally Aggressive Drivers

Confrontational drivers often commit moving traffic offenses because they believe the rules don’t apply to them or they won’t get caught. Such drivers have no problem shining high beams at other drivers, ignoring turn signals, and taking advantage of other people’s mode of driving simply because most people will readily yield to avoid a crash.

Their behavior is very unpredictable since there’s hardly any line they won’t cross simply to have their way.

3. Habitually Aggressive Drivers

Car enthusiasts usually exhibit unsafe driving behavior because they realize what their cars are capable of. For instance, a driver who has a vehicle with improved aerodynamics, top-tier horsepower, and a high-quality sound system will likely want to show it off to other drivers, which will likely result in a car crash.

What To Do When Involved In An Accident With An Aggressive driver?

If the actions of an aggressive driver toward you lead to a road accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical care, then make your way to the police station. After giving your statement and providing all relevant information concerning the accident, it’ll be best to consider hiring an attorney if you don’t already have one.

It’s essential to find a competent person with sufficient experience dealing with such kinds of cases to ensure they can litigate your case.

How To Deal With Angry Drivers

While there’s absolutely no way to determine what might tick an angry driver off, you can decide to take the high road by refusing to be influenced by their aggressive behavior whenever you’re faced with it.

For instance, being calm when you are confronted with traffic congestion and refusing to let another driver’s negative attitude toward you cause you to behave similarly. Some other methods you can use to diffuse aggressive drivers are as follows:

• Maintain a safe distance
• Refrain from overtaking other drivers unless you have to
• Only change lanes once it is safe to do so
• Avoid making eye contact and don’t drive past the speed limit
• Don’t jump lanes without looking
• Stay calm when you feel threatened, and do not respond with rude gestures
• Pull over and Report your situation to the authorities

Conclusion

A large percentage of drivers display aggressive behaviors when behind the steering wheel. 85 percent of drivers expressed significant anger at some point during each year. However, staying calm and responding promptly can significantly reduce their rage.