5 Ways to Be Safe Around Aggressive Drivers

Your Kia dealer has seen a fair share of aggressive drivers over the years. Keep these useful tips in mind when you encounter aggression on the road.

Lanham, MD Kia Dealer’s 5 Recommendations for Staying Safe Around Aggressive Drivers

1. Recognize the Signs

In order to know how to deal with road aggression and in order to keep yourself from becoming an aggressive driver, you should know what aggressive driving encompasses. The most common associated behaviors include speeding, weaving through traffic (with excessive lane changes and passes), tailgating, and running red lights. Some studies indicate that over two-thirds of driving deaths result from aggressive driving.

2. Do Not Engage

Aggressive driving can easily stir anger and cause an incident to escalate into even more dangerous road rage or into a tragic accident. Resist the temptation to interact. Even more importantly, do not meet fire with fire by mimicking the offending driver’s reckless behaviors. If someone cuts you off, for example, don’t attempt to speed up and pass them improperly.

Instead, take a deep breath, stay calm, and keep your eyes straight ahead on the road. If you do feel yourself getting angry, pull over into a safe space and cool down. If you believe the driver was being especially reckless and poses a danger, you can channel your negative feelings in a positive way by calling authorities and reporting the behavior.

3. Move Away

If you notice someone driving aggressively, make every effort to stay far away from them. If you can safely change lanes, do so. Allow the driver to pass if you are in the same lane. If you find a spot where you can securely park until the driver is out of your line of vision, this might be a good step to take as well.

4. Drive Defensively

Adjusting your own driving behavior can likewise keep you safe. For one, do not succumb to any aggressive driving behaviors yourself. Stay a proper distance away from the car in front of you. Don’t change lanes frequently or without your turn signal. And don’t hang out in the fast lane. Park within the proper spaces and give yourself enough time when you start a driving trip to reach your destination without speeding or running lights.

If you are being tailgated, do not nudge up closer to a car in front of you. Maintain your proper distance. In addition, when you encounter aggressive driving in any form, make sure your seatbelt is secured and stay extra alert. Obey all rules of the road and all traffic signals.

5. Avoid Confrontation

If an aggressive driver follows and approaches you because of some perceived slight, do not get out of your vehicle. Keep your doors locked. Remain polite and level-headed. The aggressive driver, when met with calmness, is much more likely to come to their senses and emerge from the irrational rage felt in the heat of the moment.

If you sense the situation is spiraling out of control, have a phone on-hand so you can call 911 immediately. You may also use your horn to draw attention and encourage the driver to back off.

Find Yourself a Safe Vehicle at Our Car Dealership in Lanham, MD

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Tags: Signs of Aggressive Driving, Travel Safety
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