Managing aggressive drivers

Road rage is violence or threatened violence resulting from a road user’s uncontrolled anger over an incident. It usually results in crashes or personal attacks.

Road safety research is finding an increase in the frequency of aggressive driving and road rage incidents, which is being linked to an increase in road congestion.

Aggressive driver behaviour contributes to crashes and conflict between road users. Behaviours such as tailgating, speeding and erratic lane changing are both dangerous and illegal.

Below you’ll find advice on managing aggressive drivers on the road.

Being a safe driver

Safe drivers know they can’t control traffic conditions or the behaviour of other drivers. They also know how to control their own emotions and reactions.

A driver who exhibits courteous and safe driving behaviours is less likely to aggravate and encounter drivers who are aggressive, stressed, short tempered, impatient or inconsiderate.

Courteous and safe driving behaviours include:

• driving according to the road rules
• driving in a predictable way
• not queuing across (blocking) intersections
• using indicators to give plenty of warning
• giving way to others when joining traffic
• not following too closely (tailgating)
• changing lanes correctly with ample warning
• not driving too slowly in the overtaking lane
• allowing others to overtake or merge into the traffic
• not flashing the headlights or using the horn needlessly
• not making or returning rude gestures to other drivers.

Defusing a dangerous situation

If you become the target of an aggressive driver, take these actions to help defuse the situation:

• If the other driver is in front of your vehicle, slow down a little to increase the gap between the vehicles.
• If the driver is tailgating your vehicle, maintain a steady speed or pull over in a safe place to let them pass.
• If you make a mistake while driving, admit it and try to signal an apology to the other driver.
• If another driver makes a mistake or becomes aggressive, don’t take it personally or retaliate. An aggressive driver is just unleashing their anger on the rest of the world, not on you specifically. Don’t personalise the incident.
• Remain polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn’t.
• Avoid eye contact with the other driver.
• Don’t get out of the vehicle.
• Record the driver’s registration details and report the incident to the police when it’s safe to do so.
• If you’re being harassed and followed by another driver, don’t go home. Go straight to the nearest police station.

Becoming safer on the road

If you find that you have difficulty controlling your temper or emotions while driving, here are some things you can do to stay in control:

• Remember that safety is your number one concern and always drive safely. By driving safely, you won’t do anything you’ll regret or incite others to do the same.
• Accept that everyone makes mistakes and that what you perceived as an aggressive act may have been a simple mistake.
• Use good manners. Screaming, swearing, shaking your fist, making obscene hand gestures or retaliating with unsafe driving will only make a bad situation worse.
• Drive defensively and learn to expect the unexpected.
• Allow enough time for the journey. Running late creates unnecessary stress.
• Refuse to allow another driver – someone you don’t know and may never see again – to dictate your mood and influence the quality of your day.
• Leave any personal problems behind when you enter a vehicle.
• Remember that only police officers can punish others for poor driving.
• Focus on your breathing to control any anger and a desire to retaliate. Pay attention to each breath as it flows in and out, and maintain a normal breathing rhythm.
• If you’re unable to control your emotions, find a safe place to pull over, stop and unwind.
• Consult a doctor if necessary. Road rage and the inability to control emotions may be a sign of a health disorder.
• Take down the registration details and report the incident to the police when safe to do so.