Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car has to share the road with one another, but not everyone has the same attitude about what behavior is acceptable while driving. Though you might feel an obligation to practice good habits that minimize the risk to yourself and others, some aggressive drivers have different priorities.
Defensive driving is a discipline that can help you avoid accidents and protect yourself from aggressive drivers around you. By adding a few defensive tactics to your driving routine, you can be markedly safer on the road.
Be mindful of stopping distances
Keep a reasonable distance from the car in front of you and brake early before an intersection or turn. If you maintain awareness of distances and avoid sudden stops, you are less likely to experience a rear-end accident with an aggressive driver behind you.
Avoid blocking the passing lane
The left-most lane of traffic, sometimes known as the passing lane, is where you may be most likely to run afoul of an aggressive driver. Individuals who choose not to regard speed limits will attempt to zoom by in the passing lane and might even act maliciously if they feel like you are blocking their way.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Ultimately, the key to avoiding a bad experience with aggressive drivers is to constantly scan your surroundings and be aware of other cars. Your goal is to get where you need to be safely, so avoid the temptation to be confrontational when you notice another motorist exhibiting bad behaviors.
You are fully capable of controlling your own actions when operating a vehicle, but you unfortunately cannot stop an aggressive driver from acting with negligence. If the poor judgment of another driver results in an accident, you have the right to pursue legal action.