When you get out on the road, you have to share it with all sorts of people. How they will behave while driving is of course impossible to predict. Still, there are certain behaviors to watch for. Aggressive driving behaviors fall into this category. Not only can it be scary to encounter, but it can also be dangerous.
Safety agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration therefore caution against aggressive driving. It is a blanket term used in reference to several dangerous activities, including:
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Tailgating
- Traffic weaving
- Running stop signs or lights
“Road rage” can sometimes fall under aggressive driving as well. This can include yelling, cursing, and making derogatory gestures. In some cases, road rage escalates into violent situations. Aggressive drivers have hurt and even killed others in instances of road rage. Road rage is a criminal offense and aggressive driving is a traffic violation.
Aggressive driving does not always involve anger. Aggressive can mean that a driver’s actions are impatient or rude. Drivers often engage in aggressive behavior because they they are in a hurry or become irritated with other drivers. A common complaint is that other drivers move “too slow”. This prompts the agitated driver to drive dangerously to get ahead of the slow driver. This is in spite of the potential risks involved.
No matter what the cause is, aggressive driving behaviors can put everyone on the road at risk. It is not talked about as often as distracted or drunk driving. But it is every bit as serious and drivers should treat it with appropriate consideration.
