Online Traffic School

This section deals with the serious and increasingly dangerous driving behaviors known as aggressive driving and road rage. Although similar, there are key differences.

Aggressive driving is when a driver puts himself first by being pushy, ‘bending the rules,’ or cutting in line. He believes others will adjust their driving to accommodate him to avoid a collision. It is a general mindset of aggression without focusing on a specific person or vehicle. The aggressive driver displays a disregard for traffic controls by putting himself first. The aggressive driver is not necessarily angry or malicious, just selfish. He doesn’t see himself as a threat to others. The aggressive driver does, in fact, endanger himself and others.

Road rage is much worse. Road rage is generally defined as a driver using his vehicle or some other weapon to threaten or cause harm to another roadway user, typically in response to a traffic incident. This is a criminal behavior directed toward a specific person and/or vehicle. There is a clear intent to do physical or emotional harm. Usually road rage is an escalation of emotions generally ‘ignited by aggressive drivers’ behavior.

When we mention road rage is a criminal act, some people believe this is an exaggeration. However, think about it!

Reckless endangerment is a misdemeanor. Road rage is clearly endangering others recklessly, right? Reckless endangerment can be confused with reckless driving which is just a ticket. What is the difference? It is a matter of the law enforcement official’s discretion. But road rage is a criminal act.

What if another roadway user is hurt as a result of road rage? Other charges would likely be assessed. If the other roadway user is killed, vehicular manslaughter or even a lower degree murder charge could be applied due to the incident. Road rage can easily lead to jail time.

We have all heard horror stories and viewed news accounts of drivers shooting other drivers, following them to a gas station or the person’s home or workplace. Sometimes road rage looks like an attempt to run others off the road or veer into the other car to inflict damage. You don’t know what is going on in that other drivers mind. Get out of his way!

Examples of Aggressive Driving Are:

• Exceeding speed limit
• Following too closely
• Failing to obey traffic control
• Making improper turns and maneuvers

Examples of Road Rage Are:

• Throwing objects at a vehicle
• Yelling or making rude gestures
• Attempting to ram another vehicle

Both are bad news for driving safety and your well-being.

Let’s consider some steps you can take, should you find yourself near one of these drivers.

Emotion can cause crashes. Anger is particularly dangerous and can grow into road rage---not a good thing behind the wheel.

One key is do what you can to prevent other drivers from becoming angry with you. Avoid changing lanes unnecessarily, always use your turn signals before turning or changing lanes and avoid using aggressive or offensive hand gestures when communicating with other drivers.

You don’t want to be anywhere near drivers experiencing road rage. If you do find yourself near a driver who is angry, here are a couple of tips:

• Do not respond to that driver and avoid eye contact. Be tolerant and forgiving, they may just be having a really bad day.
• Be sure to allow enough room around your vehicle so you can escape if need be.
• Do not get out of your vehicle, it offers protection. If necessary, contact 911 for assistance.
• Do not attempt to reason with this person.
• If necessary, drive to a public place where there are witnesses.

Remember, you can only control your own behavior. Make sure you behave wisely and make good judgements at all times.

How can you avoid aggressive drivers? Here are some helpful tips:

• Leave in plenty of time to reach your destination, this can help reduce the temptation to exceed the speed limit.
• Spread goodwill, emotions can be contagious.
• Direct your emotions to others’ actions, rather than to the individuals themselves.
• Delay driving when upset.
• Ask someone else to drive.

Below are several suggestions to ensure you are not part of the problem of aggressive driving:

• Communicate early and clearly, and use those signal lights! Also, turn them off when you are done.
• Make absolutely sure the space you are moving into is clear and that nobody is about to enter that space.
• Do not encroach on another driver’s space.
• Dim your headlight down from high beam when oncoming traffic is approaching.
• Stay to the right, do not block the left lane, so faster traffic can move on around you.

Perhaps the best advice to prevent angering another driver is this: Never cause another driver to change their change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.

Examples of what to avoid include:

• Moving into another’s lane
• Pulling out in front of another driver
• Turning across another drivers path when you must yield the right-of-way to them
• Braking suddenly, without warning

Do not force other drivers to have to respond to a situation that you cause, there’s a good chance they will become angry with you.

What do you do if you encounter an aggressive or enraged driver?

• Establish more space between you and that driver. This will immediately help reduce the chance of a collision between you and that driver.


• Do not attempt to pass the vehicle and do not attempt to stop the vehicle or get the driver to pull over.


• If you can do so safely, obtain any information about the vehicle, such as type, make and model, color and license plate number. However, do no put yourself or anyone else at risk when attempting to collect such information.


• Safely come to a stop and call 911. The dispatcher will take any information you have to share. Let law enforcement do their job. They are well equipped to handle this sort of situation.

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