Main Points 

• Emergency physicians see the tragic consequences of aggressive driving and are dedicated to preventing injuries, including those involving motor vehicles.
  
• Aggressive driving is a dangerous problem on the nation’s roadways.
  
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that aggressive driving contributes to a substantial number of all the fatal motor vehicle crashes in America.
  
• Speeding was a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008, and 11,674 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes (NHTSA).
  
• 37 percent of young male drivers, 15 to 20 years old and 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes in 2008 were speeding. (NHTSA)  

What is aggressive driving?

Aggressive driving is defined as operation of a motor vehicle that endangers or is likely to endanger people or property. It is a progression of unlawful driving actions that includes:

• Speeding — exceeding the posted limit or driving too fast for conditions;
• Improper or excessive lane changing: failing to signal intent, failing to see that movement can be made safely; or
• Improper passing — failing to signal intent, using an emergency lane to pass, or passing on the shoulder.

Aggressive driving is a traffic offense. The exact number of motor vehicle crashes caused by aggressive drivers is unknown, but NHTSA has previously estimated about 66 percent of all traffic fatalities annually are caused by aggressive driving behaviors, such as passing on the right, running red lights and tailgating.

What is road rage?

NHTSA defines road rage as an “assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway. Road rage is a criminal offense.”

What factors are linked to agressive driving?

Some factors linked to aggressive driving are:

• Crowded roads
• Being in a hurry
• Road work
• Stress from other areas of life
• Dangerous driving attitudes
• Selfishness

What should you do when confronted by an aggressive driver?

You should:

• Make every attempt to get out of the way.
• Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge him or her by speeding up or attempting to "hold-your-own" in your travel lane.
• Wear your seat belt. It will hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, and it will protect you in a crash.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.
• Correct any unsafe driving habits that may provoke other drivers.

Report aggressive drivers (once you are safe) to appropriate authorities; provide a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel. If you have a cell phone, and can do it safely, call the police — many have special numbers (e.g., 9-1-1 or #77). If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for police to arrive, and report the driving behavior you witnessed.

What preventive steps can be taken to avoid becoming the victim of an agressive driver?

You should:

• Always merge with plenty of room. Never cut people off.
• If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, let him — even if you are going the speed limit.
• Never use obscene gestures.
• Drive defensively.

For more information, visit www.EmergencyCareForYou.org.