For safety, avoid aggressive drivers

Curtis Mowers
Ask a Trooper
Posted 2/14/03

Question: I often hear about road rage. What is the best way to avoid it? If someone for instance screams, honks or gives me a rude gesture, what should I do?
Answer: Unfortunately, as our roadways become more congested and our schedules more hectic, simple driving courtesy can become an afterthought. Although the "hard core" road rage incident in Minnesota is relatively rare, these physical assaults can occur with seemingly little provocation. Far more common is the aggressive driver.
Some common examples of aggressive driving in Minnesota include excessive speed, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, unsafe passing, failure to obey traffic signs, illegal use of high beam headlights, cutting off other drivers, excessive use of the horn, obscene gestures, verbal abuse, lane blocking and many others.
Studies have shown that approximately 21 percent of all adult drivers on the road are aggressive. Some common characteristics of the aggressive driver for the rest of us to keep in mind include the following:
ïThese high risk drivers may take out their frustrations on anyone at anytime.
ïTheir frustration levels are high, and their concern for fellow motorist is low.
ïThey drive at speeds far in excess of the norm, which causes tailgating, abrupt and frequent lane changes without signaling, and passing on the shoulder or unpaved portion of the highway.
ïAn overall lack of respect for the law and other motorists.
Probably the best advice we can offer when confronted by an aggressive driver is to get out of the way! Realize that your most important job as a driver is to arrive safely. It simply is not worth the risk involved to confront the aggressive driver and risk an escalation of tempers.
Instead, report the incident to law enforcement. The aggressive driver poses a real hazard to all motorists and needs to be dealt with by our courts.
Avoid eye contact and do not return obscene gestures. I like to tell others that these people are simply confirming their I.Q. when they "flip you off."
As angry as the aggressive driver can make us, it is good to remember that in the greater scheme of things, the rude comment or gesture was not nearly as important as your safety.
Finally, wear your seat belt. While you may be an excellent driver, the aggressive driver may not be. You can increase your chances of avoiding serious injury or death from a crash by about 50 percent - simply by using your seat belt.
If you have any questions for future columns concerning motor vehicle traffic in Minnesota, please send your questions to: "ASK A TROOPER" c/o Trooper Curt S. Mowers 1991 Industrial Park Rd So. P.O. Box 644 Brainerd, MN 56401.